Kiruddu, Arua, Gulu to get oxygen cylinders

In an effort to contain the supply of oxygen, Amref Health Africa-Uganda is expected to distribute oxygen cylinders to three hospitals to help patients including those who have contracted COVID-19. 

The hospitals include Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Arua and Gulu Regional Referral Hospitals.

Dr. Patrick Kagurusi Country Manager Amref Health Africa-Uganda said at least $45,000 approximately sh162m has been earmarked for the cylinders adding that, they anticipate giving 30 oxygen cylinders per each of the hospitals.

He revealed that the support comes from American Tower Corporation. 

‘’In the second wave of COVID-19, one of the biggest challenges in the country was containment, distribution and supply of oxygen, and oxygen cylinders were part of the gap. So we mobilised the support and we are pleased that American Towers Corporation responded through our Amref US office,’’ he explained.

He said by providing oxygen cylinders they were responding to strengthening the health system in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the insufficient medical oxygen production capacity, Nationwide. 

The deadly virus underscored the importance of medical oxygen.

Kagurusi, however, said oxygen is not only needed for COVID-19 patients but even other patients including children with pneumonia, patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), accident victims, expectant mothers and some patients suffering from Tuberculosis among others, who may need oxygen.

He added that ever since the onset of COVID-19 in the country they have invested about $7m in Uganda. 

He said the funds went to training of health workers, provision of Personal Protective Equipment, Research, Surveillance and contact tracing among others.

He added that Amref was also supporting the government to repair women with fistula in the West Nile region. ‘’Under that program we train health workers, provide supplies and create outreaches in communities,’’ he said.

In addition to that Amref also provides Reproductive, maternal child and adolescent health services where they provide technical assistance to health facilities and enable them to respond to challenges of reproductive health.

Article first published on https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/123962