The British High Commission in Kampala has revealed how the United Kingdom will provide Shs9.3 billion (£2.2m) to international agencies that are involved in the fight against the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
The commission press release indicates that the funds will to agencies among the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP).
The ministry of health has been working closely with the World health organization to manage the Ebola outbreak.
WHO is expected to receive Shs1.6 billion to enhance case investigation and contact tracing at the local level, support laboratory diagnosis, and strengthen coordination of the response.
Both UNICEF and WFP are to receive Shs3.8 billion each, UNICEF is to use the support to step up community engagement as a measure to prevent transmissions, improve sanitation
And the WFP will use the funds to support transport, logistics, and storage for the overall UN response, including transportation of medical supplies and PPE, provision of cold chain equipment, and support the establishment of Ebola Treatment Units.
The UK is already supporting the response by deploying experts, with more expected, according to the statement.
“A UK government expert has deployed to support WHO in Uganda, at their request, with expertise in case management. Others including from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team – are expected to deploy imminently. All deployments will be agreed with the Government of Uganda.,” the statement reads
Ms. Kate Airey, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, emphasized the significance of timely intervention to stem the spread of the virus.
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“The UK is helping the Government of Uganda and its partners in their response, by providing both funding that can help scale up delivery on the ground, and experts who bring the experience of previous Ebola outbreaks in other countries. The UK will stand with the Government and people of Uganda in tackling this outbreak.”
As of October 9, cumulative confirmed Ebola cases in Uganda were cases stood at 48, with death cases rising to 17 according to the Ministry.
Cumulative confirmed deaths have jumped to 19 while cumulative recoveries stand at 54, according to the statement.
The country announced the outbreak of the viral disease, with a case-fatality rate for the disease ranging from 25 percent to 90 percent, according to the WHO, on September 29.
