Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the rise in COVID-19 infections in Uganda; what assessment they have made of the scale of the shortage of (1) oxygen, (2) personal protective equipment, and (3) other medical supplies in that country; and whether they intend to provide emergency aid to the government of Uganda to assist with these problems.

Uganda is currently experiencing a COVID resurgence with a rise in weekly cases from 3,228 to 9,525 from May 23-29 to June 13-19. Although a lock down was put in place on 18th June, cases are expected to remain high. The surge in cases has increased demand for critical supplies including oxygen, with current capacity meeting only 10% of projected daily oxygen cylinder consumption rates. The expansion of patient care to more health facilities has also resulted in increased consumption of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), testing supplies and kits. An increased supply, particularly of gloves and masks, is needed.

In response to the current crisis the UK has committed £500,000 to UNICEF Uganda's COVID-19 appeal - vital support that will benefit over 1.8 million people across Uganda. The funding will support an increase in oxygen production and delivery, and improve the availability of PPE at selected health facilities, to help keep health care workers safe. Immediate benefits include the purchase of 100 7,500-litre oxygen cylinders and the provision of operational support to four oxygen plants for three months. UK support will also enable the procurement and installation of a new oxygen plant, boosting Uganda's oxygen production capabilities. In addition, funding will support the training of health care workers in PPE and oxygen use.