Uganda News

Kampala, 5 March 2018:- The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened a three-day After Action Review (AAR) meeting to evaluate Uganda's preparedness in responding to public health emergencies after the recent Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Kapchorwa and Kween districts. During the meeting, public health experts will examine the detection and response framework for public health hazards right from the National Task Force (NTF), the incident command management system, the various technical sub-committees and their linkages to district structures.

The President of The Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for countrywide sensitization of the people about non-genetic the causes of infertility because they are avoidable and preventable.  

28 February 2018, Hoima: - The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the Ministry of Health in Uganda to respond to the Cholera outbreak in Kyangwali refugee camp, in Hoima district. As of 28 February, over 1000 cases have been registered and 31 people confirmed dead at the two treatment centers in Kasonga and Sebagoro in Kyangwali and Kabwoya sub-counties respectively.

The Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, The Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has called for increased access to cancer services in the country. She made the call at the national commemoration of World Cancer Day 2018, under the theme: “We can. I can.”, held at the Parliament of Uganda.

The Ministry of Health in Uganda confirmed an outbreak of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and Rift Valley Fever in Nakasseke and Luwero respectively. 

Earlier in December 2017, the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) confirmed a positive case of CCHF in Nakaseke district. As of January 18, 2018, two confirmed and seven suspected cases had been investigated in Nakaseke district. Three of the seven suspected cases were close relatives of the patient. Samples from the seven suspected cases tested negative for CCHF. 

The new World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Uganda, Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam has formally assumed duty on 23 January 2018 with the presentation of his Credentials to Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Sam Kutesa. The presentation took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and was witnessed by dignitaries from MOFA and the WHO country office.

The new World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Uganda, Dr Tegegn Yonas Woldemariam, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Uganda, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda and the Minister of Health in their respective offices following his arrival in the country. 
Dr Ruhakana Rugunda welcomed Dr Yonas to Uganda saying, “The health challenges facing Uganda can be addressed.” “With your experience in WHO and coming from Ethiopia that has been able to register progress in health, I believe you will lead WHO to do more in supporting the health sector in Uganda”, he added.  

Kampala, 8th December 2017:- After completing two incubation cycles (42 days) without registering any new Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) case, the recent outbreak in Uganda has been officially declared controlled.

Geneva, 8 December 2017 – Uganda has successfully controlled an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) and prevented its spread only weeks after it was first detected, the World Health Organization said on Friday (December 8). 

“Uganda has led an exemplary response. Health authorities and partners, with the support of WHO, were able to detect and control the spread of Marburg virus disease within a matter of weeks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Kampala, 7 December, 2017:- The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) and Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (ESD) to train regional District Rapid Response Teams (DRRT) in malaria epidemic preparedness, detection and response within the context of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR). The exercise is based on the curriculum developed by WHO and adapted for country needs by the RRT training technical working group.