On 13th September 2021, the IGAD COVID-19 response team held a field monitoring visit in Adjumani district, Uganda in collaboration with National Ministry of Health, Adjumani district local Authority and EU-IGAD-COVID-19 partners; UNICEF and IOM for advocacy and monitoring of field activities by the partners. Adjumani district as a refugee host district continues to receive support from the EU-IGAD COVID-19 response to mitigate the health and socioeconomic impact of COVID-19.
The team was constituted of; IGAD regional Surveillance Expert, IGAD National Coordinator, UNICEF Focal Person and UNICEF regional implementation team, IOM project team, National Ministry of Health and Adjumani District Local Government Authority. In addition, World vision as the UNICEF implementing partner for GBV and UNHCR.
The field mission started at 9:30 with an entry meeting at the district council hall. The district Officials included; the District LC5 Chair Person, the Resident District Commissioner, the Chief Administrative officer and the District Health Officer for a short briefing before the team dispatched to the field. After the field visits the team converged at the district council hall for an exit meeting with the district authorities,
During the entry meeting the DHO welcomed the team and introduced the District team which included; CAO, RDC and LC5 Chair Person.
Dr. Micheal Kibuule, on behalf of the Commissioner planning and Partner coordination, welcomed the team and applauded the district of Adjumani for being exemplary in partner coordination which has made the district a preference for many partners. Appreciated the support the EU-IGAD COVID-19 response has given to the country and in particular to Adjumani district.
Simon Ogwang, the UNICEF Focal Person, commended the district authorities for the support they have received to facilitate the implementation of the project activities. Highlighted the success of the project in the district and noted that the EU-IGAD project has supported commendable work in the district highlighting the WASH system in Obilokongo HC II and Mireyi with 12 Public service points under construction, supply of PPEs, RCCE and GBV prevention and referral in the refugee settlements.
Dr. Harriet Nabukwasi, the Surveillance Expert on behalf of the Director of the Health and Social Division appreciated the health workers and the district authorities for the success in the COVID-19 response and the exemplary service being attested to by the partners. She gave a background to the EU-IGAD COVID-19 response and noted that continued government support is critical to facilitate implementation of the project in the district. The CAO, allowed the team to proceed to the field and asked that an exit meeting be held at 4:00 PM at the council hall.
The field visit started at Adjumani hospital visit where we had a briefing by the Hospital Medical Superintendent who appreciated the EU-IGAD support that has since improved IPC through donation of PPE, improved referral of severe and critical cases through the ambulance donated by UNICEF, supported testing and controlling infections among health workers by the IOM support. He also noted the challenges in observance of the COVID-19 SOPs in OPD and In-patient due to space constraints and requested for support.
The team visited the main hospital lab and the CPHL mobile lab supporting COVID-19 testing in the region. The CPHL lab appreciated staff support, logistics and fridge they had received from IOM under the EU-IGAD COVID-19 response.
The team then visited Obilonkongo HCII and Mireyi sites for the WASH system construction by UNICEF. Each with 12 Public service points for the refugees and host communities.
The team visited Pagirinya 1 refugee settlement where World Vision is implementing GBV activities on behalf of UNICEF
Representative of the Chief Administrative Officer Adjumani District
“We appreciate EU-IGAD for trusting Adjumani District with Tax payer’s money and also for choosing credible partners to support the COVID-19 response”
Chair Person LC5 Adjumani
“We appreciate IGAD for coming to Adjumani district and assure you that all projects in the district will be support and will succeed. Commend IGAD for following up on the implementation of the project.
