Wakiso District health authorities have raised concern over inadequate resources needed to effectively combat Ebola, warning that the shortages could undermine ongoing efforts to contain the disease in the district.
The concerns were raised during a meeting of the district security committee, where health officials presented an update on the Ebola situation in Wakiso. Officials highlighted several critical gaps, including insufficient funding for health workers, a shortage of ambulances, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), limited isolation facilities, insufficient airtime for surveillance teams, and a lack of equipment required for safe burials in the event of Ebola-related deaths.
Presenting the district health report, the District Surveillance Focal Person for epidemic diseases, Alex Kakeeto, said that despite ongoing response efforts, the health sector continues to face significant operational challenges.
Kakeeto revealed that Wakiso District had registered two of the country’s 19 confirmed Ebola cases. He added that health teams have struggled to effectively monitor all identified contacts due to limited resources.
“Out of the 245 people identified as contacts of Ebola patients, health teams have only managed to follow up 120 because of financial constraints,” Kakeeto said.
The Wakiso District Health Officer, Dr. Mathias Bugoloobi, noted that public awareness about Ebola remains low, with some residents underestimating the severity of the disease.
“Many people still do not fully understand the seriousness of Ebola. We have started training village health teams to help spread awareness and educate communities about prevention measures,” Dr. Bugoloobi said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to prevent further spread of the disease.
Wakiso District Police Commander Esther Kizza also called for increased support for security personnel, noting that officers may come into contact with suspects or detainees showing Ebola-like symptoms but lack adequate protective equipment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Raymond Asiimwe, the district focal person for epidemic diseases based at Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, urged health authorities to formally communicate their resource needs to the Ministry of Health for urgent intervention.
“We need to ensure that the Ministry is fully informed about the challenges we are facing so that additional support can be mobilized,” Dr. Asiimwe said.
The Wakiso Resident District Commissioner and chairperson of the District Security Committee, Justine Mbabazi, pledged continued coordination among security agencies, health officials, and local leaders to strengthen Ebola response efforts.
“We shall continue working together with all stakeholders to ensure that Ebola is effectively contained and the population remains safe,” Mbabazi said.
Health officials have since appealed for increased government support, warning that adequate funding and logistical capacity are critical to successfully preventing and managing further Ebola infections in the district.