Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has been selected as one of the reference labs for COVID-19 in Africa, to provide genetic information needed for the swift and effective control of COVID-19 and other emerging pathogens. UVRI is also an Africa CDC reference lab.
The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is partnering with Imperial College London to start the first Covid-19 vaccine trial in the country by December. Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, the UVRI Director, while addressing the daily Monitor news, informed them that they are completing necessary internal processes before beginning to enrol volunteers for the trial. “We are working on a protocol to start a clinical trial for a vaccine that is being developed in the United Kingdom by Imperial College London. The trial will begin by around December.
Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, the overall EACCR Project cordinator, the Director Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit has been elected a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, an independent UK body representing the diversity of medical science.
Results of samples tested on 8 May, 2020 confirmed 13 new COVID-19 cases from 2,421 samples of truck drivers. Out of the 13 new cases,7 are Kenyans, 4 are Ugandans while 2 are Tanzanians. Tracking them has commenced and the public will be informed accordingly. All 740 community samples tested negative for COVID-19. Total COVID-19 confirmed cases in Uganda are 114.
Eight (8) new COVID-19 cases were confirmed today the 4th of May 2020. 6 out of 2,061 samples of truck drivers while 2 cases are from the community confirmed from the Rapid Assessment Survey. 5 truck drivers arrived via Malaba border post while 1 arrived via Mutukula point of entry. Also, there was 1 community case, a resident of Kyotera District while the other is a Ugandan truck driver from Mutukula.