Uganda's Ministry of Health has today announced that Uganda will access the COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca based on the evidence available and recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee.

There has been a surge in reported cases of the virus within Uganda with up to 88 percent or 22,000 cases during the last three months.

"There is an urgent need to access the COVID19 vaccine for the people of Uganda, not only as a mitigating strategy against severe disease and deaths but also a public health measure to enable a safe return to normalcy,” the Ministry said in a press statement issued on Sunday.

The ministry adds that Uganda will also explore other traditional vaccine options such as the one from China when they receive approval from the World Health Organisation.

"The access of the vaccine will be done in an equitable manner starting with the most vulnerable and those at more risk," the Ministry of Health says

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 48 vaccines under clinical evaluation in various countries with prospects of release this year.

(With input from agencies)