Uganda’s President Gen Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has issued a number of orders aimed at stopping the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Uganda confirmed the outbreak of Ebola last month in the district of Mubende. Nearly 20 people have officially been confirmed to have died of the viral haemorrhagic disease.
But the number of those who have died could be higher since deaths were reported in Mubende as early as August 2022, with locals attributing the fatalities to a strange disease and witchcraft.
The disease has since spread from Mubende to other districts such as Kyegegwa, Kassanda, Bunyangabu and Kagadi.
President Museveni delivered his second address on the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak on October 12.
Museveni directed all Ugandans who present symptoms to report to health facilities. He also ordered all the families of those who have been listed for follow-up to cooperate with health workers.
The president emphasized the need for health workers to protect themselves from catching the viral disease.
“The health workers MUST use appropriate protective wear (gloves, aprons, masks) whenever they are examining patients. PLEASE PROTECT YOURSELF,” said Museveni.
Days ago, Ebola killed another health worker. (Read Story Here).
Museveni also warned witchdoctors and religious leaders against admitting Ebola patients for healing and miracles in their shrines and churches.
“The witch doctors, traditional healers and herbalists should not accept sick people in your shrines or places of treatment. Advise them to call health workers for safe transfer to hospitals,” noted Gen Museveni.
“Religious leaders should not accept sick people with symptoms of Ebola who come seeking for healing prayers because when you touch them, you will contract Ebola. Advise them to call health workers for safe transfer to hospitals.”
There have been reports that some people have been confusing Ebola with witchcraft.
In fact, the first person to die of Ebola in Kampala had visited a witchdoctor in Luweero. (Read Story Here).
The president also ordered that only ambulances should carry patients with Ebola symptoms, warning bodabodas against transporting patients.
“Boda boda riders should be vigilant and not carry sick people with signs and symptoms of Ebola. Advise them to call for an ambulance,” directed Museveni.
The head of state and government further directed security officers to ensure that they prevent quarantined suspected Ebola patients from escaping from isolation centers.
“The Security supporting the response teams in the districts must be very vigilant and ensure no Ebola patients in treatment centers or contacts in the quarantine facility escape,” the president ordered.
“In addition, they should dress up in protective wear and arrest contacts who refuse to be taken to isolation.”
Meanwhile, you can see how much money Dr Jane Ruth Aceng’s Ministry of Health wants to kick Ebola out of Uganda Here.
