By Derrick Kiyonga
Covid-19 has wreaked havoc globally and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. In Uganda, the pandemic has so far been managed and we are yet to register any death much as the total cases have risen to 489 by June 2.
However, there is no reason to panic after a study on the first 56 Covid-19 patients led by Makerere University’s lung institute found that show that they were able to recover on supportive care through managing the symptoms and treatment with antibiotics without the need for admission to Intensive care unit (ICU) or ventilation, writes DERRICK KIYONGA
On May 26, the Makerere University Lung Institute released the characteristics and outcomes of initial patients diagnosed and treated with Covid-19 in Uganda. Codenamed COVIDEPI, the six-week study rotated around the behaviour of the Coronavirus and its impact on the lungs.
The research, funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MAKRIF), was a collaboration among various health service providers in the country and was led by Prof William Bazeyo, the Makerere University deputy vice chancellor.
Dr Bruce Kirenga, the institute director, noted that the aim was to prepare study the severity of Covid-19, the patient’s reaction to treatment as well as using the findings to prepare the country to manage other contagious diseases.
“At admission, only two patients met the classification of severe disease. Patients were closely monitored to identify any signs of severe disease. Temperature and oxygen saturation were monitored three times a day,” he said.
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