FIMRC Partners with Ministry of Health for COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign in Uganda

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (September 24, 2021) – Since May 2021, the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children’s (FIMRC) Project Bududa, Uganda has been providing COVID-19 vaccinations for the patients served by FIMRC’s Health Centre III. FIMRC’s clinic was selected by the District Health Office (DHO) as one of 10 vaccination points within the Bududa district. To date, 436 total doses have been administered with 141 patients receiving the full two-dose vaccination and 154 patients receiving their first vaccination dose.

Priority initially focused on health workers, security workers, teachers, individuals above the age of 50, and high risk individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. “We continue to follow these guidelines with the two vaccine brands at our disposal. AstraZeneca was the first brand delivered, and later the clinic also received the Sinovac vaccine, with neither showing any adverse side effects following drug administration,” according to Deputy In-Charge Emma Mutoo. 

Keeping COVID-19 vaccines viable during transport and delivery is one of the biggest challenges within rural settings where temperatures can be extremely high. One of the benefits to using AstraZeneca and Sinovac within Uganda is the simpler storage option for clinics. Both vaccines can be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, a normal refrigerator temperature, thus making distribution of the vaccine easier with the ability to keep vaccines in the clinic refrigerator. Currently Ugandan President, Museveni, is encouraging health facilities to ensure they use all doses prior to expiry. FIMRC’s clinic is currently on track to use their remaining 82 doses prior to their expiration date.

“Accountability is vital in this process to ensure that our community is protected and that every vial is used appropriately. We are committed to continuing our partnership with the DHO in delivering COVID-19 vaccines, and are grateful for the opportunity to vaccinate our catchment area.” The clinic leadership team ensures accountability through monthly DHO COVID-19 training and provides updated education to the clinic staff on policies, protocol, and best practices. This information is disseminated to the community through health education outreach led by FIMRC’s community health workers. These efforts have helped to keep community transmission of COVID-19 low throughout the pandemic. 

ABOUT FIMRC – Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for families around the world through the implementation of innovative and self-sustaining health programs. Founded in 2002, incorporated in Washington, DC and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, FIMRC utilizes its network of outpatient clinics and partnerships to assert multidimensional strategy that includes clinical services, extensive community outreach efforts, and health education programs. For more information, visit fimrc.org. Facebook @officialfimrcpage and Instagram @fimrc.