Policy Decisions and Response to Fight 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease in Uganda: A review of Attributes, Comprehensiveness and Implications to Improve Resilience to Future Pandemics

Abstract

Uganda experiences recurrent epidemics. However, policies enacted to prevent or prepare for future epidemics remain unclear. This paper reviews policies that are shaping responses to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Uganda. An integrative systematic review approach using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was adopted. Databases including organizational websites, bibliographical databases, and newsletters were searched for records on policies addressing response to COVID-19. Quality appraisal was conducted using the von Wright’s logic of events framework and the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation) checklist. A descriptive qualitative narrative approach was used for data analysis. Fifteen papers are included in this review. Uganda’s preparedness to COVID-19 was initiated before the first case was identified on 21 March 2020. Most documents included in our final analysis were soft policy (nonstatutory) documents (n=10). MoH implemented four public orders: notification of COVID-19; prohibition of entry into Uganda; control of COVID-19; prevention of COVID-19; requirements and conditions of entry into Uganda. In addition, the office of the president implemented three directives as of 08 May 2020; the initial directive included preparatory instructions to the public and ministries before the first case of COVID-19 was registered. Subsequently, three other presidential directives were established; two of these instituted lockdown measures while one instituted the first phase of releasing some lockdown measures. Soft policies identified in this review included guidelines (n=4); press releases (n=4) and mitigation measures. Three out of the four guidelines were clinical practice guidelines, these include quarantine of individuals in the context of containment of COVID-19, COVID-19 preparedness and response plan-laboratory manual, and national guidelines for management of COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: Uganda has experience built from response to previous epidemics. Uganda has robust policies in place to respond to COVID-19. Comprehensive Policies integrating human capital, research and economical aspects of an epidemic can increase and better prepare Uganda for future.

Institutional vulnerabilities, COVID-19, resilience mechanisms and societal relationships in developing countries

“…That led to a full a lock down on 30th March which involved an immediate ban on private and public transport, school closures and restrictions on gatherings. Commentators have suggested the need for a full lockdown derived from Uganda’s geographical position as a landlocked country (Kiwanuka et al, 2019). A travel ban on air, water and roads was enacted, social distancing and preventive isolation measures were also fully implemented (Presidential address 1).…”

A Systematic Map of Non-Clinical Evidence Syntheses Published Globally on COVID-19

“…Through a collaborative discussion regarding the topics of evidence syntheses, the following research priorities are recommended: Governance: This study found only 3 evidence syntheses that discussed leadership, policy, and governance mechanisms during the Covid-19 pandemic. 8 – 10 Concentrated attention is required on this topic, particularly from the perspective of how to adapt leadership and governance mechanisms to ensure that institutional and national responses to pandemics are rapid, effective, and appropriate. Populations: Multiple evidence syntheses included in this study investigated the impact of Covid-19 on the lives and mental well-being of a variety of populations.…”

“…Governance: This study found only three evidence syntheses that discussed leadership, policy, and governance mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic. [8][9][10] Concerted attention is required on this topic, particularly from the perspective of how to adapt leadership and governance mechanisms to ensure that institutional and national responses to pandemics are rapid, effective, and appropriate.…”

Factors affecting adoption of COVID-19 prevention measures among community members: A Case study of Entebbe Municipal council in Uganda

“…Uganda is also not exception, having registered her first COVID-19 positive case on the 31 st of March 2020 (Kiwanuka et al, 2020).…”