Africa-Press – Uganda. Medical experts have urged Ugandans to adhere to proper nutritional practices in order to combat the impact of COVID-19.
Speaking to journalists through a joint televised newscast by key television stations in the country, Prof. Francis Omaswa, the executive director of the African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation, said Ugandans should eat nutritious home-grown foods.
He said to control the spread of the virus, people need to correctly wear face masks at all times when out in public. He dispelled rumours that prolonged use of masks causes health complications.
“Let us not look at masks as bad for our health. Do not wear a mask that fits so tight that you cannot speak. Masks are okay provided you wash and keep them in a clean place,” Omaswa said.
Dr Grace Nambatya, the director of research at Natural Chemotherapeutic Research Institute, urged Ugandans to eat a lot of fruits that boost immunity such as pineapples, oranges, ginger, watermelon and lemon. She said, for example, the middle part of pineapples is very important.
“Scientifically it has been established to have an enzyme called bromelain which disorganises the coronavirus,” she said.
Nambatya said the proper way to balance the fruits is through eating all the different coloured fruits. In this one, Ugandans will be able to get adequate nutrition. She also advised the public against consuming a lot of sugar, noting that in case it happens, one needs to drink a lot of water.
Nambatya recommended physical exercise to boost immunity and proper management of stress.
A total of 631 new cases were recorded on December 18. The cases have since increased to 31,187 and 231 deaths as of Sunday.
According to scientists, the country is at stage four, where the virus is widespread in the communities and its source cannot be traced.
The treatment centres, including the intensive care units, are full.
Dr Charles Olaro, the director curative services at the health ministry, said prevention is important since treatment is expensive and unaffordable for most Ugandans.
He said treatment for a person admitted in the high dependence unit is sh1m per day on average, yet stay in the hospital is between 14 and 15 days. General treatment for a full stay in the hospital (15 days) costs about sh7m.
When one is in the ICU, Olaro said, sh2.5m is paid per day for treatment. He said these prices are higher in private hospitals.
