Uganda’s experience in Ebola virus disease outbreak preparedness, 2018–2019
Authors: Aceng Jane Ruth , Ario Alex R. , Muruta Allan N. , Makumbi Issa , Nanyunja Miriam , Komakech Innocent , Bakainaga Andrew N. , Talisuna Ambrose O. , Mwesigye Collins , Mpairwe Allan M. , Tusiime Jayne B. , Lali William Z. , Katushabe Edson , Ocom Felix , Kaggwa Mugagga , Bongomin Bodo , Kasule Hafisa , Mwoga Joseph N. , Sensasi Benjamin , Mwebembezi Edmund , Katureebe Charles , Sentumbwe Olive , Nalwadda Rita , Mbaka Paul , Fatunmbi Bayo S. , Nakiire Lydia , Lamorde Mohammed , Walwema Richard , Kambugu Andrew , Nanyondo Judith , Okware Solome , Ahabwe Peter B. , Nabukenya Immaculate , Kayiwa Joshua , Wetaka Milton M. , Kyazze Simon , Kwesiga Benon , Kadobera Daniel , Bulage Lilian , Nanziri Carol , Monje Fred , Aliddeki Dativa M. , Ntono Vivian , Gonahasa Doreen , Nabatanzi Sandra , Nsereko Godfrey , Nakinsige Anne , Mabumba Eldard , Lubwama Bernard , Sekamatte Musa , Kibuule Michael , Muwanguzi David , Amone Jackson , Upenytho George D. , Driwale Alfred , Seru Morries , Sebisubi Fred , Akello Harriet , Kabanda Richard , Mutengeki David K. , Bakyaita Tabley , Serwanjja Vivian N. , Okwi Richard , Okiria Jude , Ainebyoona Emmanuel , Opar Bernard T. , Mimbe Derrick , Kyabaggu Denis , Ayebazibwe Chrisostom , Sentumbwe Juliet , Mwanja Moses , Ndumu Deo B. , Bwogi Josephine , Balinandi Stephen , Nyakarahuka Luke , Tumusiime Alex , Kyondo Jackson , Mulei Sophia , Lutwama Julius , Kaleebu Pontiano , Kagirita Atek , Nabadda Susan , Oumo Peter , Lukwago Robinah , Kasozi Julius , Masylukov Oleh , Kyobe Henry Bosa , Berdaga Viorica , Lwanga Miriam , Opio Joe C. , Matseketse David , Eyul James , Oteba Martin O. , Bukirwa Hasifa , Bulya Nulu , Masiira Ben , Kihembo Christine , Ohuabunwo Chima , Antara Simon N. , Owembabazi Wilberforce , Okot Paul B. , Okwera Josephine , Amoros Isabelle , Kajja Victoria , Mukunda Basnet S. , Sorela Isabel , Adams Gregory , Shoemaker Trevor , Klena John D. , Taboy Celine H. , Ward Sarah E. , Merrill Rebecca D. , Carter Rosalind J. , Harris Julie R. , Banage Flora , Nsibambi Thomas , Ojwang Joseph , Kasule Juliet N. , Stowell Dan F. , Brown Vance R. , Zhu Bao-Ping , Homsy Jaco , Nelson Lisa J. , Tusiime Patrick K. , Olaro Charles , Mwebesa Henry G. , Woldemariam Yonas Tegegn 
Published: March 2020

Background

Since the declaration of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in DRC on 1st Aug 2018, several neighboring countries have been developing and implementing preparedness efforts to prevent EVD cross-border transmission to enable timely detection, investigation, and response in the event of a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. We describe Uganda’s experience in EVD preparedness.

Results

On 4 August 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the National Task Force (NTF) for public health emergencies to plan, guide, and coordinate EVD preparedness in the country. The NTF selected an Incident Management Team (IMT), constituting a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) that supported activation of the District Task Forces (DTFs) and District Rapid Response Teams (DRRTs) that jointly assessed levels of preparedness in 30 designated high-risk districts representing category 1 (20 districts) and category 2 (10 districts). The MoH, with technical guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), led EVD preparedness activities and worked together with other ministries and partner organisations to enhance community-based surveillance systems, develop and disseminate risk communication messages, engage communities, reinforce EVD screening and infection prevention measures at Points of Entry (PoEs) and in high-risk health facilities, construct and equip EVD isolation and treatment units, and establish coordination and procurement mechanisms.

Conclusion

As of 31 May 2019, there was no confirmed case of EVD as Uganda has continued to make significant and verifiable progress in EVD preparedness. There is a need to sustain these efforts, not only in EVD preparedness but also across the entire spectrum of a multi-hazard framework. These efforts strengthen country capacity and compel the country to avail resources for preparedness and management of incidents at the source while effectively cutting costs of using a “fire-fighting” approach during public health emergencies.