“I like the unfortunate phenomenon of western countries halting exportation of the COVID19 vaccine until all their citizens are fully vaccinated. This will enable Africans to wake up and manufacture their own medicines. I like the bad things because Africans sleep too much, I have never believed in dependency. This selfishness in the world is bad but it’s a shame that the whole of the African continent is asleep waiting to be saved by others… In the short run, we shall see who can sell COVID19 vaccines to us. As far as Uganda is concerned, I assure you, we will never again be in such a situation, we are making our own vaccine” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (27.06.2021).
If the President believes in this… he should look to the Caribbean island of Cuba. The socialist government have built a health care system they can be proud of. President Museveni should call Havana and get some ideas. Especially, if any of his beliefs from his student days would still be hidden somewhere in his skull. Then it should be one-call away and get the knowledge to implement it.
As Cuba been reported like this by CGTN in 2020:
“But for many, Cuba’s free universal healthcare system also deserves much of the credit. A WHO publication previously described it as “one of the world’s most effective and unique” systems. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it “a model” for other countries around the world. Despite its poor infrastructure, lack of funds and a decades-long U.S. embargo, Cuba has the highest percentage of physicians in the world, with 8.4 per 1,000 people, according to the World Bank. People on the island have a life expectancy of 79 years – above the world average of 73 and just a few years less than wealthy nations like Japan, Switzerland or Singapore – and its child mortality rate is among the lowest in the world” (Sim Sim Wissgott – ‘Cuba’s doctors, healthcare system in the spotlight after COVID-19’ 10.06.2020, CTGN).
Now this weeks news about Cuba’s Vaccine Abdala:
“Cuba has claimed to have developed its own vaccine against Covid-19. Named Abdala, the vaccine has shown tremendous efficacy in combating coronavirus. Considering the clinical data disclosed on Monday, the vaccine is 92% effective against the virus. The efficacy rate places Abdala among the most effective Covid vaccines, including Pfizer’s, Moderna’s and Russia’s Sputnik V” (Narayan Ammachchi – ‘Cuba Launches its Own Vaccine Called Abdala’ 26.06.2021, Nearshore Americas).
Arrived in Venezuela:
“CARACAS, Venezuela, (teleSUR) — As part of an agreement between the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, the first batch of Abdala vaccines arrived Thursday to the South American nation, of the total of 12 million agreed, to contribute to Venezuela’s immunization campaign, informed the executive vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. “This extraordinary vaccine, which enjoys one of the best efficacies in the world, will be incorporated into Venezuela’s immunization process and it will be the people who will enjoy it. We are grateful,” said Rodríguez, accompanied by the minister of people’s power for health, Carlos Alvarado, and the minister of science and technology, Gabriela Jiménez” (TeleSur – ‘First batch of Cuba’s COVID vaccine Abdala arrives in Venezuela’ 27.06.2021, Caribbean News Global).
Why do I show these things from Cuba? Well, if Museveni is a man of his words, which the world knows his not. He is big boosting and promising big pledges. However, never putting any coins or investments behind it.
If he would make a vaccine or medicines. The President needs to invest in it. Not only in the confidential parts of the budget. Neither use such vast amount of the state budget on the State House, Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). If these are getting less funds… these shillings can be used on research and development at medical studies and also invest more in the health care system, which is lacking these day.
Nevertheless, this President rather live on handouts and spend loans on vanity projects. He rather spend money on a giant entourage and cronyism. Instead of building a well run state and have a working health care system. The COVID-19 Pandemic is only exposing this and shows his years of neglect. Not only the rest of the world using its resources to save its own first, before giving away surplus to others.
The vaccines should be shared equally. However, the Pharma-Industry is a for profit business and they are letting the rich nations by loads of vaccines. Nevertheless, the nations like Uganda haven’t used their funds or borrowed money from IMF/WB to buy vaccines either. They are just awaiting the free donated ones from WHO or GAVI. That’s just tragic and Museveni’s people is doing this.
Museveni needs to call Havana and get some advice. He also needs to see how they have prioritized the Health Care system over the years. This sort of advance and abilities to make a vaccine doesn’t come over night. The government has chosen this and therefore, they have results. They did this to not be dependent.
So, has Museveni been sleeping for over 35 years? I would say… he has been sleeping and awaited Presidential Handshakes from foreign investors to plant sugar and grow mangoes. Peace.