Uganda’s Ministry of Health has developed a preparedness plan worth Shs25bn for handling the threat of the China Coronavirus epidemic, Jane Ruth Aceng (pictured), the Minister of Health has said.
The Minister made the remarks Wednesday afternoon while addressing the press on Uganda’s preparedness situation following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China and other countries around the World.
“This will be funded by the Government of Uganda and partners,” Aceng said.
She added that the Ministry of Health is currently undertaking risk communication and public awareness campaigns to educate the general public on how to prevent the novel corona virus.
Aceng said all travelers will be screened and more emphasis will be put on those travelling in from China.
“All Ugandan Nationals and Foreigners travelling from China will undergo screening,” she said, adding: “Those found with signs and symptoms will be quarantined in the Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital and China-Uganda Friendship hospital, Naguru. Those without visible symptoms will be isolated and quarantined in their houses after sensitization.”
It should be noted that on 4th February, 2020, the Committee led by the Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda briefed the President of Uganda on the current threat of the 2019- nCoV and the strategies for prevention, detection and response.
An Inter-ministerial committee composed of; Ministry of Health, Trade Ministry, Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, , Internal Affairs, ICT & National Guidance , Tourism, Works and Transport has since been established under the leadership of the Prime Minister to oversee coordination, Aceng said.
“ To-date, Uganda does not have any confirmed or suspected case of the 2019 novel corona virus. Uganda has since intensified its vigilance to quickly identify any suspected cases of 2019-nCoV by enhancing the surveillance & reporting systems,” the Minister said.
She said as of 4th February 2020, there are a total of 24,600 confirmed cases in 25 countries including China. “…The total mortality is 494 in China. So far, only two deaths have been reported outside mainland China –this is in Hong Kong and the Philippines,” Aceng said.
