This morning, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) team held a coordination meeting at the Kabarole Regional Public Health Operations Center to further align on the priority pillars URCS will support in response to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Rwenzori and Albertine region.

The URCS delegation was led by Dr. Joseph Kasumba, the EVD Operations Lead for the Rwenzori and Albertine Region, while the meeting was chaired by Dr. Innocent Mugume, the head of the Regional Public Health Operations Center.

As part of the response, URCS will support key pillars including Coordination, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Alert Verification, Emergency Medical Services and Evacuations, Psychosocial Support (PSS), Safe and Dignified Burials (SDB), Surveillance, Volunteer Mobilization, as well as cross-border screening and hygiene promotion.

Dr. Innocent Mugume commended URCS for its timely intervention and continued support towards the national Ebola response efforts, noting that the Society remains a critical partner in strengthening community preparedness, rapid response, and public health action in the region.

“Our collective response requires strong coordination, timely action, and trusted community engagement. We appreciate the Uganda Red Cross Society for the swift support and commitment demonstrated from the onset of this response,” said Dr. Innocent Mugume.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Joseph Kasumba reaffirmed URCS’ commitment to supporting government and partners in containing the outbreak and protecting communities at risk.

“Uganda Red Cross Society remains fully committed to supporting the Ministry of Health and district structures through community engagement, surveillance, emergency response, and volunteer action to help contain the spread of Ebola and save lives. We shall remain on the ground until Ebola is no more in the region and will continue supporting affected communities even during the recovery phase after the outbreak,” Dr. Kasumba noted.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of coordinated multi-sectoral action in strengthening preparedness, community awareness, rapid response, and lifesaving interventions aimed at containing the spread of Ebola.