- From us, HEPS@25
HEPS-Uganda implemented Leaving No One Behind (LENOBI) activities which its
purpose is to increase health access for All through Immunisation in the communities
of Kiboga district, aiming to improve health access for immunisation and system
strengthening in communities: HEPS on LinkedIn
HEPS-Uganda participated in Civil Registration Vital Statistics (VOICES) Country
Update event where we identified strategies to be used for the project
whose aim is to record Statistics on vital events i.e birth, death, marriages,
divorces and National Identification processes.
HEPS-Uganda participated in a press conference together with People living with
HIV (PLHIV) and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) highlighting the implications of
President Trump’s Executive Order 90 Days effective January 24 to freeze all global
HIV programme funding. The press conference was co-convened by our partners
Civil Society Organisation (CSO):HEPS on x.com
HEPS-Uganda is implementing Village Health Team (VHT) orientation for
immunisation access in the districts of Kiboga, Kakwanzi, Kasanda and Mubende,
the purpose for this VHT orientation is for the VHTs to strengthen community health
by simplifying access to immunization centres and sharing essential vaccination
information: HEPS on x.com
HEPS-UGANDA together with the stakeholders that is Civil Society Organisations,
health workers and social workers participated in a meeting that was convened by
our partners Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) and
Nafophanu, the purpose of the meeting was to examine the implications of Trumps
orders on Sexual and Reproductive health services and also raise awareness on the
policy effects and ensuring Civil society and healthy workers understand their roles in
safeguarding health rights: HEPS on x.com
HEPS Uganda participated in a weekly update meeting of the Parliamentary Forum
on Antimicrobial Resistance (PF-AMR) which is purpose is to support the
operationalization of the forum and oversight of the activities - From our partners:
Global Health Leaders Highlight the Power of Communications in Advocacy: The Global
Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) hosted a webinar to launch a Communications and
Media Advocacy Action Guide, a comprehensive resource for public health advocates to
plan and execute impactful communications campaigns.
Introducing Global Health Watch! Tracking US actions and their impact: AVAC has
announced that it is tracking the rapid policy changes of the new US administration and
pledged to share – on a weekly basis – its updates, synthesis, analyses, and implications on
a new platform, Global Health Watch.
Makerere University School of Public Health (MUSPH) held a seminar on non-communicable
disease (NCD) risk factors in Uganda on 29 January 2025, to explore findings from two
nationally representative surveys. The surveys found a rise in alcohol consumption and
obesity over a 10-year period (2014-2023), and recommended urgent, effective public health
interventions. - From Uganda
Ebola Outbreak in Uganda: On January 30, 2025, Uganda’s Ministry of Health
declared an outbreak of the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus in the capital, Kampala,
following the death of a 32-year-old nurse from Mulago Hospital. As of 30 January
2025, 234 contacts have been identified, including 34 healthcare workers and 11
family members.
Uganda begins Ebola vaccine trial after new outbreak kills a nurse and infects 2 other
people – IAVI was due to start a clinical trial of a vaccine on 3 February against the
Sudan strain of Ebola that has killed one person in the outbreak declared last week.
Uganda starts Mpox vaccination targeting high risk populations – On 1 January,
Uganda launched Mpox vaccination campaign targeting high-risk populations in
Kampala, the Ugandan capital, the current epicenter of the virus outbreak.
Six health workers isolated at Saidina Hospital – Six health workers have been
directed to undergo isolation and two units closed at Saidina Abubaker Islamic
Hospital in Wakiso district.
Health Ministry calls for support from donors to stop Ebola – The Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Diana Atwine has said that they expect donors
to intervene in halting further transmission of Ebola Virus Disease from Kampala to
the region.
Government Discusses Filling Void as Offices Close Following USAID’s
Funding Pause – The Ministry of Health (MOH) will take off this week to examine
critical areas, which will need prompt intervention by the government following the
suspension of funding - Global health security
Tanzania confirms outbreak of Marburg virus disease – On 20 January, Tanzania
confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region
after one case tested positive for the virus.
WHO allocates Sh3.7 billion to help Uganda – Amidst the maihem disruptive policy
changes of the new government in the U.S., the World Health Organization has
generously allocated US$1 million (sh3.7 billion) from its Contingency Fund for
Emergencies to help quickly tackle the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease outbreak
confirmed in Uganda.
African Union urges Trump to revisit US exit from WHO – On 22 January, the
African Union urged new U.S. President Donald Trump to revisit his decision to
withdraw Washington from the World Health Organisation.
Our opinion, HEPS@25
Ebola: Do not let history to repeat itself
As of February 3, 2025, Uganda was experiencing a new Ebola outbreak in its capital,
Kampala. The outbreak was confirmed after a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National
Referral Hospital died on January 29 due to multi-organ failure caused by the Sudan strain
of the Ebola virus. Two more cases – of health workers – have been confirmed.
From previous outbreaks of Ebola and other infectious diseases, including COVID-19, there
cause for fear. We appreciate the efforts so far to respond to the challenge. Health officials
have identified and are monitoring individuals who had contact with the confirmed cases.
This includes health workers and family members. As of recent reports, at least 234 contacts
have been identified.
International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) has started a clinical trial for a vaccine targeting
the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. The trial is being conducted by the Makerere Lung
Institute, which has received approximately 2,460 doses of the vaccine. The trial primarily
targets contacts of confirmed cases.
Uganda has had Ebola outbreaks before and this was in the years of 2000-01, 2007-08,
2011-12, 2022-23 with each year having a different kind of strain. However, the deadliest
strain was in 2000-01 in Gulu, Masindi, and Mbarara districts, which was the Sudan
ebolavirus strain with cases up to 425 with 224 deaths (Case Fatality Rate 53%). On 5
December 2000, Uganda lost Dr Matthew Lukwiya, the then Medical Superintendent of
Lacor Hospital in Gulu, as he led the frontline response to an Ebola outbreak.
The Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance and public awareness campaigns to
inform the public about preventive measures and symptoms of Ebola. Efforts are underway
to educate communities on the importance of reporting suspected cases and practicing safe
hygiene.
At all levels, let us not let history repeat itself. Invest in health emergency preparedness,
strengthen the health system by straightening referrals and infection prevention at health
facilities, equip frontline health workers with personal protective equipment, sensitize people,
and protect yourselves in line with guidance from Ministry of Health and health providers.
Collaboration across health authorities, civil society, and development partners for funding,
logistics, and response planning will be critical.
