Shock as Dokolo District Names COVID-19 Positive Health Workers

Dokolo district has listed the names of health workers battling COVID-19 infection raising concern from the Parliamentary Committee assessing government responses on COVID-19 in Northern Uganda. This came up in a meeting between the legislators and Dokolo officials led by the District Health Officer at Dokolo Council hall. 

During the meeting, Dokolo District Health Officer, Samuel Ojok circulated copies of their presentation to over 80 people in the meeting including journalists containing the particulars of 18 COVID-19 positive health workers detailing their full names, personal contacts and departments they work in. The document also listed the facilities where the health workers are receiving treatment and those under home-based care.

According to the documents, 7 of the affected health workers are female while the remaining are male health workers. “All health workers who got infection had mild or moderate cases conditions. Those who were fully vaccinated got very mild conditions. These health workers represent 8.2% of the workforce in Dokolo” said Ojok in the statement. 

There are 17 health facilities in Dokolo district with one Health Centre IV. The district has cumulative registered 467 positive COVID-19 cases. However, the disclosure of the affected health workers didn’t go down well with Koboko Municipality MP, Dr. Charles Ayume and the task force chair. He asked the DHO to retract the names of the health workers, saying it is unethical.

“Stigma is still a big issue, and I see you have listed the names of these health workers who are positive, this is unethical please find a way to retract it,” Ayume said. The DHO promised to remove the names.  However, a source in the district who did not want to be named to speak freely on the matter, said they listed the names for possible support if any for the affected health workers. 

It is not clear if the District Officials sought permission from the health workers to release their particulars.