The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has called for more funding to support the Ebola response efforts in Uganda.
IRC, in a statement, said it is concerned over the Ebola situation in the East African country, urging more funds to be made available for strengthening the country’s health system, improving contact tracing, activating community support, and intensifying sensitisation through social media.
Development Diaries reports that Ugandan authorities declared an outbreak of the disease in September.
The country’s Ministry of Health has reported 132 cases and a death toll of 51 people including at least six health workers.
‘The IRC stands with the families that have lost their loved ones and pledges to continue supporting efforts to contain the outbreak’, IRC Uganda Country Director, Elijah Okey, said in the statement.
‘As the Ministry of Health explores treatment options and vaccines for this specific strain of Ebola, we must be cognizant of the fact that these trials take time and early detection is paramount for most of these treatments to work.
‘To reduce the rate of infection and further loss of life, mitigation efforts including contact tracing, risk communication, intense public sensitization and engaging community health structures are vital in the interim.
‘All these interventions require immense financial resources and expertise to effectively execute.
The IRC works with women and girls to integrate Ebola-related protection in areas where the IRC supports primary health care services.
Source: IRC
Photo source: EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid
