Uganda Ministry of Health Issues Ebola Prevention Guidelines for Schools

With the upcoming school term, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has rolled out comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst the ongoing Ebola outbreak. These Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aim to create a secure learning environment by mitigating the risks associated with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission.

The Ministry emphasized that schools, with their close interactions among students, teachers, staff, and visitors, are susceptible to infectious disease spread if preventive measures are not rigorously followed. The newly issued SOPs provide practical steps for all members of the school community to facilitate early detection, prevention, and appropriate responses to potential Ebola cases.

Key directives for all schools include the mandatory provision of handwashing stations with soap and clean water at all entrances, classrooms, hostels, dining areas, and restrooms. All individuals entering school premises will be required to wash their hands, with regular intervals enforced. Additionally, schools must implement temperature screening at entry points and restrict access for anyone exhibiting Ebola-like symptoms.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of all facilities, including classrooms, dormitories, toilets, dining halls, and school vehicles, are also mandated. Schools are advised on proper waste management and encouraged to discourage physical contact like handshakes and hugging. Maintaining good ventilation by opening windows and doors is recommended, along with minimizing non-essential gatherings and suspending certain activities if advised by health authorities.

Schools are directed to establish designated isolation areas for suspected cases and ensure essential supplies like soap, water, hand sanitizers, and thermometers are readily available. Maintaining up-to-date contact information for local health facilities and district surveillance teams is crucial. Regular awareness sessions for learners and staff on Ebola prevention are also encouraged.

In case a student or staff member shows symptoms, schools must immediately isolate the individual in the designated area and notify the nearest health facility. Staff assisting suspected cases are advised to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disinfect all affected areas. Boarding schools have specific instructions including routine health monitoring, avoiding overcrowding, and tracking visitor movements.

Transporters are cautioned against moving visibly sick learners. The Ministry reiterated the importance of consistent illness monitoring within schools. The guidelines come in the wake of the World Health Organization declaring an Ebola outbreak in Uganda.