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Ugandan COVID-19 Cases Re-emerge
Ugandan health officials Wednesday sounded alarm after a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the virus. The spike follows the admission of five patients to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, with one already discharged and five still receiving treatment.
Dr. Anne Marion Natumutebi of the hospital attributed the new infections to low vaccination rates in the country. “While widespread vaccination offers hope for mitigating the impact,” she explained, “many Ugandans remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated, leading to continued vulnerabilities within our communities.”
The newly infected individuals presented with flu-like symptoms, coughing, and other COVID-related conditions, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by the virus. In response, health officials are urging the public to prioritize vaccination and adhere to safety measures.
“We cannot overstate the importance of public participation in curbing the spread of this virus,” stated Kabale District Health Educator Alfred Besigensi. “Getting vaccinated, wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, and avoiding crowded spaces are all crucial steps we can take to protect ourselves and our communities.”
This development comes despite the World Health Organization’s decision in May 2023 to no longer categorize COVID-19 as a global health emergency. However, the virus continues to pose a significant threat, with over 765 million confirmed cases and nearly 7 million deaths recorded globally since the pandemic’s start, according to WHO data.
The Ugandan government is ramping up vaccination efforts in response to the recent surge, aiming to increase uptake and combat the spread of the virus.
22 Die in Tragic Landslide at Illegal Tanzanian Mine
A devastating landslide at an illegal mine in northern Tanzania has claimed the lives of 22 people, leaving families and communities in mourning. The tragedy struck on Saturday at the Ng’alita mine in Bariadi district, where a group of miners ignored safety warnings and ventured into an area restricted due to recent heavy rains.
District commissioner Simon Simalenga confirmed the fatalities to Reuters, stating that authorities initially received reports of 19-20 miners trapped, but tragically recovered 22 bodies. President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her profound sorrow on X, formerly known as Twitter, tweeting about the “small miners trying to earn a living” who met their fate in this avoidable accident.
“These fellow Tanzanians were small miners in the area, trying to earn a living for themselves, and their families,” the President lamented, highlighting the desperation that often drives individuals towards dangerous work in unregulated sectors.
Adding to the tragedy, Faustine Mtitu, acting commander of the region’s fire and rescue forces, confirmed that rescue efforts have concluded, and all remaining lives have been accounted for. Mr. Simalenga further revealed that the group had begun mining in the mineral-rich area just three weeks ago, disregarding a stop order issued by the government due to ongoing heavy rains posing serious safety risks.
“The regional mining officer visited them and stopped them from mining as it was working on the required procedures,” Mr. Simalenga explained, underlining the blatant disregard for safety regulations at the illegal site.
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