COVID-19

The novel corona virus is fast evolving and provision of strategic information will guide on what is currently happening and what interventions should be put in place to mitigate and control spread of the disease. Real time data utilization will inform decision making of the incident command. Provide the population with real time information and knowledge as the disease evolves.

There is need to understand the current situation and stimulate innovation especially now that there is global demand for commodities essential for the COVID-19 response like test kits, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), vaccines and therapeutic interventions. Through the Presidential Directives, a number of innovations have been initiated by Ugandan based local factories to produce commodities to support the COVID-19 interventions like locally produced surgical masks, face shields, coveralls and aprons.

Conducting research is critical to understand the novel Corona virus and the social economic aspects the virus poses on the population of Uganda. There is currently no known cure for COVID-19 and thus the need to explore research and innovations in prevention, diagnosis and treatment including traditional medicine. There is also need for innovative approaches to managing the COVID-19 response.

Implementation of the data management and analytics will ride on the existing frameworks in the health sector and the key stakeholders for managing the epidemics. Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, use and adaptation of technology will support timely and appropriate response as well as sharing and use information.

Strategy

• Establish SIRI coordination structure for COVID-19 response.
• Map key stakeholders in the different data management functions.
• Develop an effective data management framework for COVID-19 response.
• Adaption of appropriate technology for data capture and dissemination.
• Produce and disseminate information products for management decision making and policy formulation.
• Support operational and scientific research on COVID-19.
• Promote creativity and innovations for COVID-19 response.