Health 30 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Health Workers Urged to Boost Ebola Vigilance Amidst Outbreak
Ugandan health officials and the Uganda Medical Association are calling for increased vigilance among healthcare workers to prevent Ebola infections within medical facilities, as some personnel have been quarantined or tested positive. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ebola-leaders-ask-healthcare-workers-to-increase-vigilance--5478740
Leaders from the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) are intensifying calls for healthcare professionals to remain highly vigilant against the Ebola virus. Recent reports indicate that over 100 health workers have been placed under quarantine, with several testing positive for the virus after coming into contact with infected patients.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the critical importance of adhering to strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures during a recent graduation ceremony for sonographers. He highlighted that even those performing vital diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasound scans, are at risk and must prioritize self-protection to safeguard their families and the wider community.
Dr. Olaro specifically advised sonographers to maintain rigorous hand hygiene and ensure prompt changing of linens on examination beds to curb the transmission of infections. This comes as the graduating sonographers, largely midwives trained with support from Enabel, the Belgian agency for international cooperation, have conducted over 10,000 free ultrasound scans between January and May.
The training initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services, particularly in maternal and newborn health. Enabel is supporting 20 health facilities by providing essential equipment and training to address existing gaps in healthcare access. The emphasis on IPC is a crucial component of these broader efforts to build a resilient health system capable of effectively managing public health challenges.