By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Uganda’s cabinet has approved the country’s proposal to purchase 18 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines for the most vulnerable groups which are to be prioritized in the first phase.
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The first doses will be for people from the age of 50 years and above, those with underlying health conditions, health workers, security personnel, teachers among other essential social service providers.
According to the proposal, the ministry of health will purchase the Astra Zeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India and the order has already been made adding that each eligible individual will get two doses separated by 28 days and each dose costs US$7, which amounts to $14 per person which is approximately 50,000 UGX.
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Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo noted that the government will spend $17 on every individual, including the $3 for international transportation and handling costs by National Medical Stores.
Opondo revealed that the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) has tentatively allocated 3,552,000 doses of Astra Zeneca vaccine due by end of February or beginning of March 2021.
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The indicative does are expected to be available to Uganda on a quarterly basis, with 35-40% coming in Quarter 1 and 60-65% coming the second quarter.
Health Officials say there is an emerging opportunity of acquiring vaccines through the African Union, a process that is being coordinated by the African Vaccines Delivery Alliance and through this initiative, an initial 270 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been secured and are expected to grow.
