Funding will support health operations, logistics and surveillance across 29 districts, including refugee hosting areas….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United Nations has allocated $4 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to strengthen Uganda’s efforts to contain Ebola, as international agencies expand support for surveillance, treatment and community outreach.
The funding was announced by UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and forms part of a broader CERF package of up to $60 million unveiled in May to reinforce Ebola response operations.
According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the newly released funds will support humanitarian and health activities in 29 districts across Uganda, including areas hosting refugees. The assistance will focus on healthcare delivery, logistics and disease control measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.
UN agencies are continuing to support the Ugandan government on several fronts. The International Organization for Migration and the UN Development Programme are working to strengthen screening, surveillance and mobility management at key border crossings and entry points.
Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund is helping communities through awareness campaigns, risk communication initiatives and efforts to maintain essential public services during the outbreak.
The World Food Programme has also expanded its support, delivering more than 6,000 meals to Ebola patients, individuals in isolation and frontline healthcare workers, while ensuring the transport of critical medical supplies.
The UN said efforts are also being stepped up in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than 16 metric tonnes of medical supplies were delivered this week. New health screening facilities have also been established at Kinshasa International Airport to strengthen monitoring and early detection.
To improve coordination of the response, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, in consultation with the Director General of the World Health Organization, has appointed Julien Harneis as Senior Ebola Coordinator. He will oversee coordination across agencies, address operational challenges and help ensure assistance reaches affected communities quickly.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. The disease, which is primarily found in sub Saharan Africa, has an average fatality rate of around 50 per cent.
