Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Uganda on 22nd March 2020, the Government and Ministry of Health has been tirelessly working to support district health teams across the country in their efforts to continue to provide essential services. Non-government organisations, like Act4Africa are supporting district health teams in their effort to keep communities safe and informed.

In poverty-stricken rural communities there is a dangerous information gap regarding the coronavirus. Here, harmful myths are spread in the absence of knowledge. The aim of our collaboration with Mayuge District Local Government is to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to rural district health facilities that have no such resources and to provide far-reaching life-saving information to the community. Act4Africa would like to extend a special thank you to Bowdon Business Club, who provided the funding for the activities carried out this week.

“Sincere thanks go to the Bowdon Business Club for this timely contribution.  Our deliveries to the resource-limited rural health centre make an enormous difference to the day-to-day running of services at the front-line. It is an honour to have the opportunity, as a charity, to play such a key role in public health at the current time, contributing to the safety and well-being of the community.”  

Patrick Kigongo, Uganda Country Manager

There is extreme demand worldwide for adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), especially for those who need it most in health and social care roles. With funding from Bowdon Business Club, Act4Africa procured the following much-needed supplies which were delivered to the Mayuge District Health Office by Patrick and Act4Africa colleague Jennifer on 9thApril 2020:

• 300 pairs of surgical gloves
• 150 facial masks
• 40 pocket hand sanitizers
• 10 bottles of one-litre sanitizers

These items were then distributed to various health teams in need. The district health officer delivered a speech in which he thanked Act4Africa for our support in these trying times, highlighting the importance of gloves and masks for health workers that desperately need protection in order to continue their selfless work.

After successfully delivering the PPE, Patrick and Act4Africa Field Officer, Harriet, went on to represent Act4Africa on popular local radio station Baba FM, alongside the District Health Educator. The talk show included a 15-minute segment of discussion surrounding COVID-19, which included do’s and don’ts, a Q&A session and highlights of how Act4Africa is collaborating with Mayuge District to support COVID-19 efforts.

Feedback from radio callers proved the information had been helpful to listeners of the show, and provided clarification regarding misconceptions held by some about the availability of a cure for COVID-19.

Moving forward, the district has requested more support, particularly with supplying more PPE and informative materials. Act4Africa desperately want to continue to source and deliver PPE and spread public health information to the local community – to support us in our efforts you can donate to our urgent COVID-19 response appeal here: 

“In these unprecedented times, charities more than ever need our support. Their work does not cease, volunteers are constantly needed, and basic items still need to be bought. 

For those whom hardship is normality, life is going to get even harder. The Bowdon Business Club has donated £500 to each of their 4 supported charities to help them in these unbelievably hard times. If you can help with a donation, however small, please consider it.” 

Mark Haywood, Bowdon Business Club

We hope to update you soon on how Act4Africa have continued to support the Mayuge community during this challenging time.

Thank you for your continued support.