Kitgum District today activated an Ebola preparedness task force and planned for intensified surveillance and community sensitisation measures.
This follows the recent outbreak of the disease in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Jimmy Segawa Ebil, the Resident District Commissioner of Kitgum, who heads the task force, says the newly constituted district Ebola task force will coordinate surveillance, testing, risk communication, and emergency response within the district.
He says health teams would intensify surveillance to identify suspected cases, while laboratories would be prepared to collect and transport samples for testing at government facilities.
The RDC adds that religious leaders, including churches and mosques, would be engaged to continuously spread Ebola prevention messages to communities.
The district also agreed to use government-funded radio airtime under the RDC and the district chairperson’s office to relay public health information.
He cautions against handshakes, hugging, and unnecessary physical contact, saying communities should avoid exposure to body fluids that could spread infection.
Titus Komakech, the District Surveillance Focal Person, says schools had been directed to implement standard operating procedures issued by the Ministry of Health before learners report back.
Komakech adds that areas of mass gathering, including churches, mosques, and markets, would also be engaged to enforce Ebola prevention guidelines.
By URN
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