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Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Arua Hospital has started sending samples to Adjumani hospital laboratory for testing.
Since the outbreak of covid-19 in March samples collected from suspects and contacts in the West Nile region were sent to the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe.
Two weeks ago, a mobile testing laboratory was installed at Adjumani General hospital with the aim of testing and diagnosing Covid-19. The mobile testing laboratory is one of the donations by the Germany government through the East African community (EAC).
Now management of Arua hospital and members of the COVID-19 task force have resolved that all samples in the region be taken to Adjumani hospital to minimize delays in releasing results.
Dr Philbert Nyeko, the Director Arua regional referral hospital says that as more suspected truck drivers continue to pile at the borders, delays in releasing the results has increased the cost of keeping the suspects waiting. He explains that Arua hospital being closer to Adjumani, it would only require 24 hours to deliver the samples and also obtain results, hence reducing on transport costs to Entebbe.
The laboratory has a capacity of testing up to 500 samples a day.
Dr Hector Tibaihaho the Field Coordinator World Health Organization in-charge of West Nile region says taking samples for testing in Adjumani is welcome because it will help deliver samples and obtain results in time.
Nahori Oya, the RDC Arua expressed fears over the continued influx of refugees through Zombo as a result of tribal clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo- DRC.
According to Tibaihaho, between 3,000 and 7,000 Congolese refugees have crossed into Uganda and are being settled in Zombo district, which presents a big challenge in the fight against covid-19.
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