Uganda will start COVID-19 Vaccine trials.

By; Ben Musanje

30^th Nov. 2020

In 14 days from today Uganda will start tests for Covid-19 vaccine in the efforts to search for medication for the virus that has so far killed 201 Ugandans and infected 20,145.

In the presidential address last evening President Yoweri Museveni said Ugandan scientists had developed seven products; six of which are under trial, and one, an immune booster is already under use.

Without mentioning the combinations of the products in fear for copy cut, Museveni said the first three are all anti-virals- killing the virus and limiting the damage of the virus to the body.

The announcement comes at a time when the country has over 100 severe cases of COVID-19 who need ventilation. Despite having over 130 ventilators, scientists predict the number of infected people is going to increase in the country.

According to the president, dozens of people have been healed by  the discovered substances adding that starting December 15, 2020, patients under strict medical supervision will be tried on with the medicine who will be quarantined for 40 days which will give enough time for the target  patients to be treated to convince other persons that are not part of the trials that the drug works against Covid-19 and other viruses.”

The fourth product, Museveni, said is a bronchial dilator- a drug that will keep a patient’s lungs airways open without the need to use the ventilators that cause damage to other body parts where they are inserted.

Ugandan scientists have also developed two diagnostic tents- one which uses saliva and can give results in 30 minutes, priding that There is always opportunity in adversity”

His remarks come amid reports that the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) partnered with Imperial College London to start the first Covid-19 vaccine trial in the country before end of this year.