Ministry of Well being and WHO collaborate with Kampala capital metropolis management to strengthen Ebola response
The Ministry of Well being (MOH), with help from the World Well being Group (WHO) convened a gathering with the highest management of Kampala Capital Metropolis Authority (KCCA) to debate methods of strengthening the Ebola outbreak response in Uganda’s capital.
MOH declared an Ebola outbreak within the nation on 30 January 2025 with the primary case being in Kampala metropolis. Since then, 12 confirmed and two possible instances have been registered. Of those, 10 have been reported in Kampala Metropolis. The outbreak has unfold to Wakiso, Jinja, Mbale, Ntoroko, Fort Portal, and Kyegegwa. Ten of the 12 confirmed instances have recovered after receiving supportive remedy whereas two instances succumbed to the virus.
Kampala, with an enormous city inhabitants and sophisticated mobility patterns, stays one of many most-at-risk areas within the nation necessitating heightened response actions.
In her remarks, Well being minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero urged the capital metropolis management to personal the response in Kampala, since they totally perceive the context, and dynamics greater than anybody else. She requested them to make use of their positions to achieve out to the communities.
“Ending this outbreak would require leaders in Kampala to make sure that all people is educated about Ebola, the way it spreads and the way it may be prevented,” stated Dr Aceng. She additionally urged leaders to stay vigilant in opposition to different public well being threats, together with mpox.
The minister additionally emphasised prioritizing an infection prevention and management measures particularly within the well being amenities. The well being staff, she noticed, should all the time defend themselves whether or not there may be an outbreak or not.
Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital Metropolis Authority and metropolitan affairs pledged efficient management of the Ebola response within the metropolis by the leaders. He urged leaders in any respect ranges within the metropolis to work carefully with their communities in response to the outbreak.
The WHO Consultant, Dr Kasonde Mwinga, talking on behalf of companions, applauded the Authorities of Uganda for successfully main the Ebola response efforts to this point. Commendable actions embrace: quick declaration of the outbreak, speedy interventions together with a vaccination trial, and high quality administration of instances resulting in their discharge amongst others.
“I urge all of the stakeholders to rally behind these efforts to have a single response, particularly at a time when efficiencies are key in implementation of efforts. As well as, this strengthens the well being system that continues to be to serve the inhabitants after the outbreak,” stated Dr Mwinga.
The Ministry of Well being has launched into a 42-day countdown to the tip of the present Ebola outbreak following the restoration and discharge of the final confirmed case. Throughout this time, lively surveillance, strengthening an infection prevention and management, public consciousness creation and danger communication, and vaccination of contacts of confirmed instances will proceed till the outbreak is asserted over.
WHO continues to help Uganda’s nationwide and district-level preparedness and response efforts, making certain a coordinated, multi-sectoral method to finish the outbreak.
