Nearly 50 days since the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in Uganda was announced, the situation is still grim as the number of cases continues to rise. Recent reports from the Ministry of Health (MoH) indicate 132 cases and a death toll of 51 people including at least six health workers.
The IRC is concerned about the Ebola situation in the country and calls for more funding to support response efforts particularly in health systems strengthening, improving contact tracing, activating community health structures for this specific response, social mobilization and intensifying sensitization through mass media.
Elijah Okeyo, IRC Uganda Country Director said,
The IRC stands with the families that have lost their loved ones and pledges to continue supporting efforts to contain the outbreak
“The IRC stands with the families that have lost their loved ones and pledges to continue supporting efforts to contain the outbreak. As the MoH explores treatment options and vaccines for this specific strain of Ebola, we must be cognizant of the fact that these trials take time and early detection is paramount for most of these treatments to work. To reduce the rate of infection and further loss of life, mitigation efforts including contact tracing, risk communication, intense public sensitization and engaging community health structures are vital in the interim. All these interventions require immense financial resources and expertise to effectively execute. The IRC therefore calls for increased funding for aid agencies to support ongoing efforts to sever the current rapid spread of this deadly disease.”
