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Uganda Media Centre

WHO DG Dr Tedros visits Uganda on his way from DRC.

Prime Minster of Uganda Dr Ruhakana Ruganda and Dr Tedros address the media in Kampala
Right Hon Ruhakana Rugunda and Dr Tedros share a light moment
Dr Tedros holds discussion with Prof Omaswa and WHO Representative in Uganda Dr Yonas

The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO DG), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has lauded Uganda for the Ebola preparedness response mounted, so far, in the high-risk districts of the country. 

Dr Tedros said that Uganda’s disease outbreak response system is recognized globally for its effectiveness. He commended the government for the support rendered during the ongoing vaccination exercising, saying, “The vaccination exercise will go a long way in saving the lives of frontline health workers and health care workers and we are really grateful for the government’s commitment and support.”

He made these remarks at a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister where he met key government dignitaries including; the Prime Minister- Right Honourable Dr Ruhakana Rugunda; Minister of Foreign Affairs- Hon Sam Kuteesa; Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs- Hon Bright Rwamirama; Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary-Dr Diana Atwiine and other government officials.

Coronavirus Prevention Messages for Uganda

Uganda confirmed Coronavirus Disease also known as COVID19 in the country.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms or know someone who has them in your family or community, please report immediately to the nearest heath facility for evaluation and assistance. COVID-19 patients who are managed early recover well from the disease thereby contributing to prevention and control efforts.

Uganda Launches Health Sector Integrated Refugee Response Plan 2019-2024

Dr Ruhakana Rugunda makes addresses the audience at the launch of the HSIRRP
Prime Minister of Uganda Dr Ruhakana Ruganda signs on a dummy copy of the HSIRRP to launch the plan as government officials and partners look on
WHO Representative Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam signs onto the HSIRRP
Refugee dancers entertain the guests at the launch
Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng signs on a copy of the HSIRRP to launch the plan as government officials and partners look on

The Government of Uganda launched the Health Sector Refugee Response Plan 2019-2024, (HSIRRP 2019-2024). This is a five-year plan that advocates for the provision of integrated services for both refugees and refugee-host communities in all the refugee-hosting districts.

The HSRIIP is intended to address the needs of refugees and the host communities and ensure access to quality health services for both through improvement of staffing of refugee-hosting districts to 95% of the public staffing norms.

In addition, 50% of the public health centres at level II will be improved to health centres level III. Likewise, adequate medicine and health supplies will be distributed to the respective districts using the national distribution channels.

The capacity of facility-based health workers and community health extension workers will also be built to adequately meet the needs of the communities.

Uganda hosts over 1.19 million refugees and ranks third globally among the countries with the highest number of refugees.

WHO supporting Village Health Teams in Uganda

In Uganda, WHO has been supporting the work of volunteer health workers on Village Health Teams, to get messages about COVID-19 prevention and surveillance to communities who need it most. This will not only help with prevention, but also reporting of COVID-19, which will help the Ministry of Health make the right decisions to prevent further spread of the virus. #health #Uganda #Africa #COVID

Ebola Preparedness Uganda

Ministry of Health Officials, Development Partners and WHO staff visited the five high-risk districts to assess the preparedness activities to prevent an Ebola outbreak in Uganda. They also met with Ministry of Health officials from DRC and discussed concerted efforts to contain the outbreak in DRC and also prevent it from crossing into Uganda.
WHO Representative, Dr Yonas Tegegn his staff, and the Kabarole District Chairperson at his office. The Chairperson committed to supporting the preparedness to ensure that the people are kept safe from Ebola.
The WHO Representative in Uganda Dr Yonas Tegegn getting a foot bath before entering one of the Ebola Treatment Units
A wide view of the border between DRC and Uganda. It receives tens of thousands of people during the market days on Tuesday and Friday
Point of entry screening at Mpondwe border point in Kasese
Screening at Busungwa border point. Busungwa border point is in Bundibugyo at the Uganda-DRC border
WHO has also engaged district leadership. District leadership is instrumental in ensuring the preparedness is taken with the seriousness it deserves. District leaders provide technical support by deploying their health workers
The media has also been very instrumental in reporting about the preparedness. Journalist's queries are responded to from time to time to ensure that they inform the public accordingly and accurately
WHO and the Ministry of Health Train Members of the Armed Forces on Ebola Case Management
A workshop was convened to address the urgent need for countries to strengthen regional and national capacity in the areas of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) given the ever increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in many parts of the world.
#Ebola vaccination teams deliver vaccines to in the high risk districts in Uganda

In the wake of an Ebola outbreak in The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda has stepped its preparedness to prevent the outbreak from crossing into the country respond to a case if any. Below are some pictures showing the activities during the preparedness.  

Health Sector Response to Gender Based Violence in Uganda

Gender inequity, poverty among women, weak economic capacity, sexual and gender-based violence including female genital mutilation (FGM) are major impediments to the amelioration of women's health in the African Region. To ensure that women and men have equal access to the necessary opportunities to achieve their full health potential and health equity, the health sector and the community need to recognize that women and men differ in terms of both sex and gender. Because of social (gender) and biological (sex) differences, women and men experience different health risks, health-seeking behaviour, health outcomes and responses from health systems.

What you need to know about Ebola

#Uganda remains on high alert for #Ebola Virus Disease due to the current outbreak in the neighbouring #DRC. Various activities have been implemented to ensure readiness. Alertness and awareness by the general public is also paramount Here is what you need to know about #Ebola