Sunday, 25 September 2022
By Kasline Gladys Lakareber
Following the information passed on by the permanent secretary of Uganda ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine while addressing the Media on Monday the 19th September 2022 about the confirmed case of Ebola virus in Mubenda district, this sent strong single to Various Health facilities and local leaders in Kitgum district to set their teams Incase of any Emergency.
According to Hon. Christopher Obol Arwai the chairperson local council 5 who doubles as vice chairperson Taskforce team Kitgum district, they agreed to bring the team back on ground and get ready to fight the battle as they did for Covid-19.
Arwai said this is national concern that calls for teamwork right from home up to district level. He believes that the same way they managed to sensitize the public about Covid-19, they will do the same to end and prevent Ebola virus in the district. However, he cautioned people to maintain standard operating procedures-SOPs and follow them as well while ensuring high hygiene in any public gatherings like churches, schools and Hospitals.
Dr. Pamela Atim Medical Director St. Joseph hospital Kitgum district said her emergency Response teams are now getting Guidance on how to handle Ebola virus Disease. She said they have their Emergency room and once the signs and symptoms of Ebola is spotted then quick communication will be passed out through the office of District Health Officer-DHO Kitgum district.
Dr. Pamela assured public that since St. Joseph is one of the biggest Hospitals, they will set the screening team right from the gate side up to the wards to avoid the spread of Ebola.
“We will do sensitization as well to both Medical workers, patience and community around Hospital”, Dr. Pamela stated.
Hon: Morris Santo Oyoo the Chairperson local council 3 Pager division in Kitgum municipality advised the public to always pay attention to such National matters.
Oyoo expressed that he is so unhappy to hear of the outbreak of Ebola in the country because people are still recovering from the effects of covid-19 which let many down and businesses collapsed but appealed with the public to be conscious on how to prevent the virus by washing hands with clean water and soap and avoiding public gatherings.
He said this has awakened the hearts of Acholi people since they lost their beloved son the late Dr. Mathew Lukwiya to Ebola virus in the year 2000.
Uganda has confirmed four (4) new cases, 15 Cumulative confirmed cases, 19 Cumulative deaths (All probable) and 29 Active cases on admissions according to the Ministry of Health.