VP commissions modern virus labs
Bukenya commissioning the laboratories at Entebbe yesterdayBy Andante Okanya
THE Vice-President, Dr. Gilbert Bukenya, on Tuesday commissioned modern laboratories at the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe. The laboratories will be used to carry out scientific research and clinical studies. They will also be used for trials on vaccines for HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. The institute has previously made great breakthroughs in scientific research. It was the first to isolate more than 20 new airborne viruses, including the West Nile Virus, Bwamba Fever, Semliki Forest Virus, Orungo and Kadam. The fully-equipped laboratories were set up with funding from the British government. Speaking at the ceremony, Bukenya urged Ugandans to stick to the ABC strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He said those agitating for the removal of the C (condom) are enemies in the fight against the deadly virus. “ABC strategy is to save lives. It is not religious. Those who say remove the C are not serious,” Bukenya said. James Kakooza, the state minister for primary health care, reassured health workers that the Government will ensure that they are paid according to international standards starting this year. The British High Commisioner to Uganda, Martin Shearman, revealed that his Government would support the Medical Research Council until 2019. An estimated 1.4 million people are currently living with AIDS in Uganda, with an annual infection rate of 130,000 people.
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