Kampala – Uganda: In a significant boost to Uganda’s healthcare sector, the Aga Khan Development Network, in collaboration with the KfW Development Bank, has generously donated two state-of-the-art mobile immunization clinics valued at $240,000 to the Ministry of Health.
The official handover ceremony, last week, was attended by Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the State Minister for Primary Health Care, and Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Health Services, representing the Ministry.
The donation of these fully equipped mobile immunization clinics arrives as a timely reinforcement of the nation’s efforts to enhance its immunization services.
Hon. Muhanga lauded the donation’s significance, emphasizing how these clinics will play a pivotal role in bringing immunization services closer to Ugandan citizens.
“With their exceptional mobility and adaptability, these clinics are set to expand the reach and accessibility of vital vaccines, ensuring that immunization services are available at the doorstep of every individual,” expressed Hon Muhanga.
Amb. Amin Mawuji, the Diplomatic representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Uganda, highlighted the critical question of reaching communities in remote and inaccessible areas with essential vaccines.
“One of the pandemic’s profound lessons is the challenge of reaching communities situated in the most distant distribution areas. How can we ensure vaccines reach these remote locations?” posed Muwuji.
He further explained, “These two clinics will not only enhance routine vaccination countrywide, but they will also break down barriers to delivering vaccinations, while simultaneously strengthening the relationship between health centers and communities.”
Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, Director General of Health Services, added to the conversation by pointing out that mobile immunization clinics would also be deployed in urban settings. Despite the rise in overall immunization rates to over 90%, Dr. Mwebesa revealed that Kampala’s immunization coverage remained lower than that in rural areas.
“In addition to reaching hard-to-access urban areas such as markets, churches, and other congregations, as well as medical camps, these vehicles come equipped with a public address system that will help attract children for immunization,” said Dr. Mwebesa.
The two mobile immunization clinics have been thoughtfully equipped with essential resources including oxygen cylinders, stretchers, vaccine refrigeration facilities, kitchen amenities, solar panels, generators, computing devices, and internet connectivity tools.
Beyond routine immunization, this donation will significantly aid in reaching underserved communities, remote regions, and vulnerable populations, particularly in conducting vaccination campaigns and supplemental activities.
According to available statistics, this injection of modern healthcare infrastructure will have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s overall healthcare ecosystem, creating a more resilient and accessible healthcare landscape for all its citizens.
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דירות דיסקרטיות במרכז Samantha Sanmartin