Executive Director of Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) Prof Pontiano Kaleebu has said that COVID19 has brought a lot of business folks who intend to benefit from the pandemic.
Speaking during an expert conversation on COVID-19 testing, Prof Kaleebu said that there are many COVID-19 testing kits that are on the local market that were not approved by either UVRI or Ministry of Health.
“Where do these kits that are not validated come from? Its not my responsibility as UVRI. The National Drug Authority has to take responsibility,” said Prof Kaleebu.
He revealed that only two COVID-19 testing kits have been approved and these are; Panbio Covid 19 Ag Test and STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test kit.
“We need to stick to our science knowledge other than listening to everyone. For COVID-19, we need to use those tests that are looking for the virus. Because we want to manage these individuals quickly to prevent spread and isolate,” he said.
Uganda has a total of 25 accredited laboratories, public and private across the country.
Prof Pontiano Kaleebu believes that if the country is to excellently manage this pandemic, then it needs to priotize vaccination by increasing vaccination centres across the country.