After the first cases of the Sudan Ebola virus disease were traced in Mubende district, the government of Uganda immediately put into effect its emergency plans. Supported by specialists from the World Health Organization, trained teams of doctors, nurses, contact tracers (VHTS), and other health workers have gone to affected regions to isolate infected people as quickly as possible, educate communities about simple protective measures, and treat the sick.
Uganda’s health authorities are relatively well prepared for Ebola outbreaks, according to the World Health Organization(WHO). The country has a laboratory where the virus can be detected, a surveillance program, and trained professionals HON. Jane Ruth Aceng, the minister of health told AFP “The situation in Kampala is still under control, and there is no need to restrict people’s movements.”
In addition, to prevent further exportation of the Ebola cases in the country, the president of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Museveni earlier this month ordered Kassanda and Mubende districts, the epicenters of the outbreak to be put under lockdown, imposing a travel ban, a curfew and the closure of public places. But internal movements were not restricted and vehicles are also allowed to pass through as long they don’t stop to pick up passengers along the way.
This directive of restricted movement was meant for optimizing control efforts in the geographical area, and minimize the spread to other areas because the penetration of Ebola in heavily populated areas would create a situation of rapid spread and is associated with sustained and protracted person-to-person transmission in the urban settings.
The ministry of health appeals to all of you to cooperate with its surveillance teams, the contact tracers (VHTS), and the health workers. In case you have signs/symptoms of EVD, please report to the nearest public health facility. “If you or your loved one is a contact with an Ebola-infected person, please inform the contact tracers and remain in isolation for 21 days while cooperating with our teams during this period of follow-up. Running away exposes you and your loved ones potentially resulting in deaths that could have been avoided.” says the health minister.
To the health workers, first of all, we would like to appreciate you for the selfless services and hard work that you continue to exhibit during this response. However, please maintain infection, prevention, and control measures at all times. While you care for your patients, it is important that you too protect yourself at all times, wear your PPE appropriately and practice IPC measures at all times.
The Uganda Tourism Board, therefore, wishes to reiterate that destination Uganda is safe for all national and international travelers. All visitors in and outside of Uganda traveling to attend workshops, conferences, tourism sites, and attractions among others are encouraged to continue with their plans. The board however continues to urge travelers to observe the set health guidelines in place as announced by the Ministry of Health as they enjoy their stay in the pearl of Africa.
Let’s all remain vigilant in order to fight this epidemic.