46 medics test positive for Covid in Adjumani, Obongi

At least 46 health workers have contracted Covid-19 in the two West Nile districts of Adjumani and Obongi.
In Adjumani District, 31 health workers tested positive for the virus in a space of two months while 15 health workers contracted the disease in the newly created neighbouring Obongi District in a period of one week, authorities in the area have confirmed.
Health workers who contracted the virus in Obongi are undergoing treatment at Itula and Palorinya Health Centre III’s while Adjumani is managing what they described as the “increasing cases” at Nyumanzi Health Centre III.
Dr Joseph Arike, the Obongi District health officer, said three teachers and more than 40 community members have also tested positive to the virus, which he says is wreaking havoc in the newly created district that does not have a sufficient budget to  handle the pandemic.
As a result, Dr Arike said efforts to trace contacts of the virus have become a nightmare.
“We have not received Covid-19-related support but the Ministry of Health is aware of our challenges. Hopefully, they will act swiftly to our concerns,” Dr Arike said.
He said the Covid-19 burden in the area has been compounded by lack of personal protective equipment for health workers but added that they also ran out of testing kits.
He said they have increased community sensitisation on the spread and dangers of Covid-19 while those who contracted the virus are being treated and kept in isolation centres
Mr Godfrey Manga, the acting Adjumani District health officer, said the first case of Covid-19 among health workers was registered in August.
“It is true 31 health workers have contracted Covid-19 in the last two months but to ensure continuity of health service delivery, we have deployed staff from sister health facilities to fill the gap,” Mr Manga said.
“Covid-19 burden is getting heavier. I want to sound a strong reminder to all the stakeholders in the district that the virus is real and nobody should die of the disease because of failure to adhere to SOPs”, Mr Manga said.
In Adjumani, the worst hit health facility is Nyumanzi Health Centre III where 15 health workers tested positive for the virus while a driver and some support staff members also contracted the disease.
Mr Manga said in an effort to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, the district health office has stepped up infection prevention and control measures.
“We have procured personal protective equipment worth more than Shs20 million out of the money submitted to the district coffers by the three Members of Parliament but the quantity is not enough,” Mr Manga said.
Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, said plans are underway to supply the district with PPEs.
“If the respective DHOs, have made requests to the Ministry of Health, they should be patient as the national drug stores will make the supplies,’’ he said.