Following the declaration of Ebola Sudan Virus Disease by Uganda’s Ministry of Health, URCS has already embarked on mobilizing Volunteers to activate response in communities at risk.
“We have conducted drills for specialized Rapid Response Teams including Safe and dignified burials, Emergency Medical Services teams ready to support burials for suspected or confirmed EVD deaths, as well as evacuation of suspected cases from the communities to treatment centers.” – Irene Nakasiita, URCS Spokes person.
Uganda Red Cross plays an auxiliary role to the Government of Uganda in response to emergencies.
When the Ministry of Health confirmed the outbreak, Uganda Red Cross immediately took action that included:
- Updating the relevant stakeholders
- Mobilizing volunteers previously trained to conduct risk communication, and SDB to be on Standby.
- Mbale branch was activated to support the safe and dignified burial for the one case that died.
- Activated teams to scale up public awareness
- Updated IFRC and other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Partners
- Coordination with National and District Task Forces in Kampala and Mbale
- Director Health forming a coordination team at country level, in close liaison with the Region, while drawing lessons from the previous EVD responses.