The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Uganda Red Cross Society has received Shs360 million from Cola Coca Foundation to promote COVID-19 vaccination.
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The funds will support numerous activities at vaccination sites, vaccine distribution, Personal Protective Equipment procurement (PPEs), awareness efforts promoting vaccination and sanitary practices to reduce the spread of the virus.
Uganda Red Cross Society has been at the forefront of championing risk communication, community engagement and mobilization for vaccine acceptance.
Naphtal Baguma, Director Supply Chain Management at the Uganda Red Cross Society said Coca Cola has exhibited high level of commitment in working with the Red Cross to avert the spread of Covid19 in communities.
“Now that the economy has opened, we are supporting the Government of Uganda to roll out the Community Engagement Strategy on Covid19 and as such, our efforts are now towards increasing vaccine uptake, and acceptance,” he said.
“The donated funds will go a long way in giving us a push to fulfil our mandate as part of securing the health of the people of Uganda. Thank you, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.”
Melkamu Abebe, General Manager, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Uganda reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the Ugandan economy to fully reopening and bounce back to pre-pandemic times.
“Healthy communities, signify a healthy business environment. COVID-19 is not a problem to be left for a few people, it requires collective action,” he said.
“By now, we all know how we can protect ourselves, we have heard it over and over and yet, sometimes we let our guard down. It is important to continue driving awareness and vaccine uptake not only to save lives but also to help the economy to bounce back to pre-covid times. That can only happen if we achieve 100% compliance to vaccine uptake,” he said.
In 2020, Uganda Red Cross Society received Shs 186million from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) towards Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) activities and another Shs 360 million towards relief food packages during the peak of the lockdown.
Uganda has recorded 163,301 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 100,021 recoveries and 3,588 deaths since 2020. The country has also administered 16,672,943 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
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