COVID-19 UPDATE
March 11 marks one year since COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic. While the past year has been tremendously challenging, there have been remarkable stories of human resilience, ingenuity, and creativity.
Last Updated: 06/17/2021
Uganda is now reporting over 1,300 new cases of COVID-19 per day as of June 10 in what seems to be a new wave of the virus.
On June 7, the president of Uganda reinstituted a strict lockdown for at least the next 42 days. Schools must close, church services are suspended, and travel between districts is currently illegal.
Uganda has so far been unable to obtain many vaccine doses, which has contributed to the rise in cases. As of June 10, Uganda has fully vaccinated just under 1% of its population of 47.1 million people, up from 0.4% in April. On average, the country is administering under 10,000 doses per day. Uganda is receiving aid from the United States to support its vaccine program.
Our hearts break for our global Compassion family who have suffered the pain and loss caused by COVID-19. The pandemic and economic shutdowns are predicted to push an additional 150 million people into extreme poverty by the end of 2021.
A number remain closed and are conducting home visits. In a few districts, COVID-19 outbreaks are being monitored, and in those areas, staff are limited to checking in with families via phone calls. Staff members have been able to distribute over 10,000 food packs and almost 10,000 hygiene kits to Maisha-assisted families, and they have provided medical support to nearly 800 individuals.
The World Food Program warns that rising global hunger and food insecurity will lead to a devastating famine across developing countries. Please continue to pray for those who are deeply impacted by this pandemic. Our staff, volunteers and frontline church partners across the world are working diligently and creatively to serve vulnerable children and their families. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.