Uganda's Schools Mandated to Enforce Ebola Prevention as Term Begins

As Uganda’s schools welcome students back for the second term, the government has issued a strong directive to enforce comprehensive Ebola prevention measures. The Ministry of Education and Sports emphasized that strict adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by the Ministry of Health is crucial to safeguarding learners and staff.

To ensure compliance, the Ministry of Education will deploy expert teams to monitor schools starting today. Dr. Joyce Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, urged school administrators, teachers, parents, and transport providers to fully cooperate with these health guidelines.

Minister Kaducu highlighted the importance of vigilance, especially given the current Ebola cases in the country. She stressed that upon arrival, students should be screened, and any individual showing symptoms like fever must be immediately reported to health authorities. Schools are mandated to establish temperature screening points at all entrances and restrict entry for those exhibiting illness. Handwashing stations with soap and water must be readily available at key locations throughout school premises.

Furthermore, schools are expected to maintain high hygiene standards through regular disinfection of classrooms, dormitories, vehicles, and frequently touched surfaces. Measures such as minimizing large gatherings, avoiding physical contact, and establishing isolation areas for suspected cases are also part of the protocol. Routine health monitoring of students and staff, along with sensitizing the school community about safe practices and avoiding contact with bodily fluids, are advised. Any suspected cases must be promptly reported to the nearest health facility or community health worker.

These directives extend to public transport operators, who are required to provide handwashing facilities or sanitizers at boarding points, regularly disinfect their vehicles, and display Ebola prevention messages. The Ministry assures the public that the situation is manageable if preventive measures are diligently followed.

All schools have been directed to enforce Ebola prevention guidelines as the second term begins. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ebola-govt-orders-schools-to-enforce-prevention-guidelines-as-second-term-starts-5472102