The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the world, reaching more than 150 countries in just over two months, infecting more than 100,000. From national lockdowns in Italy and China to disruptions in international travel , and closure of schools  due to fears of contracting the infection .  What should be done to address this crisis? What can government and the citizens do to contain this pandemic and manage the severe disruption it is causing?

To address these questions, The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH)-Uganda, World Health Organization (WHO)-Uganda, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Uganda and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) organized a Public Dialogue on the Coronavirus Disease   on Friday 13th March, 2020 at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.

Speaking at the dialogue aimed at checking Uganda’s preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Dr. Henry Mwebesa –  the Director-General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health , called upon every Ugandan to play a role if corona virus is to be prevented

Mwebesa  further revealed  that   whereas  the ministry is struggling to keep Corona virus at bay, they are also battling misinformation spreading on social media and other platforms yet the issue is a national public health concern

“As the ministry, we ask all stakeholders , institutions and politicians  to join us in this fight against corona virus, let everyone volunteer and work with us in any way they can‘’ he said.

As part of the fight, Mwebesa further revealed that the government through President Museveni  is already championing  prevention against corona virus.

On mass gatherings, he  advised the public about  the  need to follow guidelines put in place like  hand washing and sanitizing adding that the ministry of Health is working on a law to foster the fight against corona virus.

While chairing the public dialogue, the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health -Prof,Rhoda Wanyenze stressed the importance of getting information from right sources   citing  some of the rumors doing rounds on social media   that blacks don’t get corona virus disease.

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