EU releases Shs10b to tackle Ebola outbreak

Centre. Ebola Treatment Unit at Bwera Hospital, Mpondwe in Lhubiriha Town Council where victims are being isolated and treated. PHOTO BY JOEL KAGUTA

With the confirmation of Ebola on Tuesday this week, the European Union (EU) yesterday released an additional €2.5 million (about Shs10.5 billion) for strengthening rapid detection and reaction to Ebola cases in Uganda.
The funding comes on top of the €17 million (about Shs71.8 billion) in EU funding for Ebola response since 2018 in DR Congo and prevention and preparedness actions in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi, according to a press statement released yesterday
“Today, our main task is not only to help the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also assist neighbouring countries like Uganda. Here, our funding is helping with surveillance, work with local communities, and boosting local capacities for these countries to take timely and effective action,” Mr Christos Stylianides, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management and EU Ebola coordinator, said.
“We are doing all we can to save lives and stop further Ebola cases,” he added.
Another Shs4.2 billion has been released for South Sudan to serve a similar purpose.
In co-ordination with other international donors, the funding is contributing towards measures that include mainly the strengthening of disease surveillance, training of rapid response teams and local capacity building.
“EU humanitarian health experts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Uganda and in the region are coordinating and they are in daily contact with the health authorities in these countries, the World Health Organisation and operational partners,” the statement added.
The United States of America (USA) on Wednesday also pledged support for Uganda in the country’s efforts to curb further spread of the disease.
“The US government has invested heavily in Uganda’s preparations to manage Ebola through both technical and financial assistance, and we will continue to provide assistance to prevent the spread of the disease,” reads the statement posted on the website of the US Embassy in Uganda.
At the peak of the Ebola crisis in DR Congo last year, the Health ministry said they needed Shs3.4 billion for response and surveillance in the country.
Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, the Health minister, said part of the funds will be used to acquire and replace permanent walk-through scanners at the airport.
There are about 10,000 to 20,000 people estimated to be crossing over from DR Congo to Uganda using the border points in the districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Kisoro, among others.

Ebola outbreak confirmed

The Ebola outbreak, which has ravaged the neighbouring DRC for the last one year, was on Tuesday confirmed in Uganda in the western border district of Kasese.
The first case to be confirmed on Tuesday was that of a five-year-old boy, who tested positive and later died.
The others cases include the deceased three-year-old young brother, who also tested positive and were admitted at the isolation facility that was established at Bwera General Hospital.