The African Development Bank (AfDB) has released a $1 million (Shs3.6bn) grant to Uganda to help the East African country tackle an outbreak of the Ebola virus.
The grant to support Uganda’s National Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) Preparedness and Response Plan, was approved in January. Funds have been disbursed through the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the implementing agency.
The grant follows a request by the Government of Uganda to the African Development Bank to support the country’s efforts in containing the Ebola scourge that has so far killed three people in the East African nation.
The Bank is working with Uganda’s Ministry of Health, and the WHO, a specialized agency of the United Nations on health-related issues.
The agreement was signed by the Bank’s Uganda Country Manager, Kennedy Mbekeani, Uganda’s Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, and Dr. Rebecca Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s Regional Director for Africa.
The funds will be used for the management of suspected and confirmed EVD cases in Uganda, including the procurement and distribution of medical supplies, and care of people affected by Ebola.
The grant will also be used to strengthen readiness and capacity at the national level and in high-risk districts, including training and emergency support. With this support, response teams will be quickly deployed and surveillance of the disease will be strengthened.
The Bank praised the Ugandan government for its vigilance, and called upon other development partners to support its efforts to stem transmission of Ebola infection and prevent new outbreaks in non-affected areas.
The Government of Uganda’s request for emergency relief assistance will help to save and protect lives, and restore the normal livelihoods and economic activity of people in 31 districts in the country.
The request falls within the Bank’s revised policy guidelines and procedures for emergency relief assistance. Uganda’s Ebola response plan is aligned with the Bank’s High priority which aims to “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.”
