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Kampala, Uganda, 10 October 2022 —  The rising death toll from Ebola virus in Western Uganda is fueling fears in the East Africa region, as authorities and aid agencies rally efforts to contain the deadly virus. At least 10 deaths, 44 confirmed and 20 probable cases have so far been reported. The ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ) has launched a response with the Ministry of Health to raise awareness of the outbreak especially amongst frontline health staff as well as activities to strengthen existing ̽����ѡ supported health centres in readiness for a potentially widespread outbreak.

Elijah Okeyo, ̽����ѡ Uganda Country Director said,

“We are concerned about the impact the spread of the virus could have and therefore have teamed up with health authorities to boost awareness, especially to frontline health workers who are more exposed to the virus, as well as improving health facility readiness and linking community responders to the currently running ̽����ѡ health programmes.” 

It is imperative we apply the lessons learned from past outbreaks to stop the spread of Ebola in Uganda and beyond its borders. The ̽����ѡ stands in solidarity with the affected communities and is calling for immediate action and funding for frontline aid agencies to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. 

The ̽����ѡ has extensive experience in Ebola virus infection prevention and control activities. ̽����ѡ responded to the 2019 outbreak in Uganda as well as several outbreaks since 2018 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ̽����ѡ works on women’s and children’s protection, and integrating Ebola-related protection concerns in areas where the ̽����ѡ supports primary healthcare services. The ̽����ѡ also worked  to contain the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The ̽����ѡ began programming in 1998 in northern Uganda in response to mass displacement wrought by the Lord's Resistance Army. Since then, the ̽����ѡ has expanded to provide critical services for refugees and vulnerable Ugandans throughout the country. The ̽����ѡ started supporting refugees and vulnerable individuals in Kampala in 2012, and was one of the first organisations to respond in 2016 at the onset of the South Sudanese refugee crisis. As of 2019, the ̽����ѡ entered Tooro to support refugees while also providing epidemic preparedness and response services throughout the region. In addition to emergency support, the ̽����ѡ also invests in long-term stability for refugees and Ugandans through programmes like immunisation, family planning, legal services, women's empowerment, education, and livelihoods. More recently, ̽����ѡ has been involved in supporting Afghan evacuees in Uganda.