Covidex addresses the COVID-19 Pandemic, Prof. Patrick Engeu Ogwang stands tall
Patrick Engeu Ogwang is a pharmacist, pharmacologist, ethnobotanist, medical researcher, and entrepreneur, who
serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). Prof. Patrick Ogwang developed Covidex innovation during the pandemic.
Prof. Patrick Ogwang, the innovator of Covidex is one of the 50 people that
were awarded with medals during the Liberation Day celebrations at Kololo Grounds on January 26th 2022. He was awarded with the Golden Jubilee medal under the civilian category for his tremendous work. Covidex is a herbal extract from three indigenous plants that has been instrumental in the treatment of the lethal corona virus.
Kill germs with Pharmsan Sanitizer a Product from MUST
Pharmsan is a product under Pharmbiotrac project. Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Centre aims at building a critical mass of specialized and skilled human resource that can advance traditional medicine and pharm-biotechnology for socio-economic development of Africa
During the pandemic, this product was timely to address standard operating procedures (SOPs). The product is produced in two forms; gel and liquid, purchase is by choice.
Pharmbiotrac project also contributes to the documentation, validation and value chain development of traditional medicine and biotechnology products for use in pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals industries in the region through training, research, and community services for sustainable development.
MUST recognizes COVID- 19 Frontliners.
During the 27th graduation ceremony held on April 24, 2021, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Celestino Obua recognized the COVID-19 frontliners who have worked tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19. These were honored with medals of recognition for their service. The ceremony was presided over by the MUST Chancellor, Prof. Charles Lwanga Mark Olweny and the Chief Guest was the State Minister of Health (Primary Health Care), also an alumnus of MUST, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu.
These frontliners who were honoured included Dr. Celestine Barigye (MRRH Hospital Director), Dr. Rose Muhindo -Clinical Head, COVID-19 Taskforce and Head of Department Internal Medicine; Mr. Peter Okello Odeke – Principal Hospital Administrator and Administration work of the task force; Dr. Elias Kumbakumba – Deputy Head task force and in charge of screening; Dr. Francis Oriokot – Chair Person infection prevention and Control; Dr. Stephen Ttendo – Head ICU and Critical care; Dr. Francis Mugabi – Head Surveillance and Community Health; Dr. Badru Kayongo – Head of Home based COVID -19; Sr. Medal Gasumuni – Nursing Officer In charge COVID-19 Unit; Mr. Edgar Mugizi – In charge transportation; Ms. Ziller White Head of Physiotherapy: Mr. Stephen Ralph Wannoch – Head of Laboratory services; and Mr. John Innocent Muhereza – Head of Security and SOP observation.
CAMTech Uganda COVID-19 Pandemic response.
SaniDrop: Collard Group Limited a startup birthed out of CAMTech Uganda innovation hub started making and commercialized SaniDrop Hand Sanitiser in 2017. During the Covid-19 outbreak period in Uganda, the demand for SaniDrop increased and the team expanded its production space and capacity. During busy days, production increased from 80 liters to 400 liters a day.The product was also stocked in Supermarkets, Pharmacies, in and around Mbarara.The team is in the process of automating the production of SaniDrop in order to improve production efficiencies and reduce on production costs.
MOTAP: A pedal operated handwashing facility with water collection points innovated by one of the teams incubated under CAMTech Uganda. The team won funding from the MUST Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT) that helped them to improve the device and increase the production capacity. During Covid-19 period, the team was able to produce and supply a number of devices to institution to support in Handwashing.