France Supports Uganda In Covid-19 Fight
By Damba Rogers
This contribution is further testimony of the long standing solidarity between the French people and the people of Uganda.
We deeply value the relationship between our two Governments and peoples.
As we say, a friend in need, is a friend indeed. France has ably demonstrated this friendship in many ways and consistently over the years.
Let me, in a special way, thank you, your Excellency for the efforts you personally put in to ensure that these items get delivered in time.
Your Excellency, I request that you convey our gratitude back home, to your Government and people.
The fight against Covid 19 is one that can only won when the international community acts collectively and in solidarity. No one can be safe unless everyone is safe, because the world is now very connected through trade, travel and tourism. This Covid 19 has shown us that the pandemic doesn’t know or respect national boundaries.
This support from France therefore, is a welcome sign of solidarity and realization of this fact.
We would like to see more of this type of international solidarity even in the access to Covid 19 vaccines. We all know now, that vaccination is the most sure way to reduce the spread of the pandemic. It also prevents patients from presenting severe symptoms.
But we continue to see a disparity in access to vaccines with developed countries vaccinating their people while developing countries are struggling to get vaccines.
We also know that even with funds, it is very difficult to access vaccines for our people due to the fact that rich countries have placed themselves ahead in the line to manufacturers of these vaccines.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to use this opportunity to thank Ugandans for continuing to adhere to the SOPs during this lockdown. The numbers of cases are reducing slightly, but the situation remains bad. Let us continue to wash hands with soap, avoiding crowds, keeping a distance, wearing masks and going for vaccination when your turn comes.
In the absence of vaccines, the next best defense against Covid 19 is prevention. Let us continue to undertake preventive measures as we wait for vaccines to arrive.
Finally I would like to thank National Medical Stores for supporting the National Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic by receiving and warehousing PPEs, Test Kits, and other response supplies on behalf of Government and distributing them to points of entry and Hospitals across the country.
We are pleased with the supply chain competence at NMS which has enabled the country to mount an effective response to the pandemic and get the country to be ranked among the best at combating the pandemic.
As Government we expect hat these supplies of PPEs will be distributed equitably across the country according to health worker’s needs.
We also expect , as usual, that National Medical Stores will maintain accountability records for the items received here today and of how they have been distributed.
Once again, thank you very much Your Excellency. May this solidarity between Uganda and France continue to grow from strength to strength.
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