The Ministry of Health has flagged off teams to conduct the second rapid assessment survey to determine the extent of community transmission of COVID-19 and possible risk groups. The goal of this survey is to determine the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in districts that seem to have the highest risk.
Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, while flagging off the teams said that the objectives of the survey were to estimate the proportion of active COVID-19 infection among high-risk population subgroups in targeted districts, and to estimate the secondary attack rates of COVID-19 among contacts of confirmed cases and children living in communities of confirmed cases.
The survey will involve 18 teams that will collect information and samples from selected population groups and communities. A total of 10,000 Ugandans will be interviewed and samples withdrawn and tested for COVID-19. The population groups to be assessed include Border crossing points and communities, Law enforcement officers, health workers, boda boda and bicycle riders, sex workers, and slum areas. Households in high-risk exposure areas, children under 15 years, the Elderly, factory workers, and fishing communities will also be tested.
The targeted districts include Masaka, Kyotera, Adjumani, Rakai, Isingiro, Gulu, Buikwe, Ntungamo, Amuru, Kakumiro, and Kasese. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng requested the general public to cooperate with the survey teams as and when they come to collect information and samples.
