TASO contributes to Ministry of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) through Marine Ambulances to serve Island communities

The Island Communities, as well as the health workers working on the Islands have a reason to celebrate this month. On May 20, 2022, H. E. President Museveni flagged off a fleet of Marine Ambulances on Lake Victoria in Entebbe.

President Museveni flagging off the Boat Ambulances at Entebbe.

The partnership will be fully run by Government, with support from Development Partners. Ministry of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providing coordination of stakeholders.

The marine ambulances have varying life support capacities in terms of emergency care while the patient is in transit on the water; and are expected to go a long way in improving the lives of those who live far on the Islands and yet require emergency services, as well as increase the safety of health care workers who have to travel to the Islands to provide this emergency care.

While the Ministry plans to have 20 boats all together, so far 12 are already in the country, two (2) of which were purchased by the TASO Grants Management Unit through funding from The Global Fund. Three (3) were purchased by the Government of Uganda and nine (9) were purchased by GAVI. Two (2) more boats are expected to be in the country soon.

The two boats bought by TASO, will be used to provide services to mainly Kalangala and Buvuma Islands. Other Islands and Lake shore districts (such as those in or along Lakes Victoria, Albert and Kyoga) and districts along the River Nile will also benefit from these ambulances.

Executive Director of TASO, Dr. Michael Etukoit, signing the dummy ambulance on behalf of TASO

 

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