The UK will provide £2.2m to WHO, UNICEF and WFP to support Uganda’s response to its current Ebola outbreak, a statement by the British High Commission in Kampala said on Friday.
At least19 people have died since Uganda confirmed its latest Ebola outbreak in September.
The British intervention will consists of £400,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO), to enhance case investigation and contact tracing at the local level, support laboratory diagnosis, and strengthen co-ordination of the response.
UNICEF will be handed £900,000 to help prevent transmission of the disease through both strengthened engagement with local communities, and improved sanitation and hygiene provision in key installations – such as community health facilities and schools – in the affected areas.
£900,000 will also be disbursed to the World Food Programme (WFP), to support transport, logistics and storage for the overall UN response – including transportation of medical supplies and PPE, provision of cold chain equipment, and supporting the establishment of Ebola Treatment Units.
Meanwhile an expert has been deployed from the UK to support WHO in Uganda, at the request, of the goverment in Kampala.
The expert will provide expertise on case management.
Others experts including from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team will deploy imminently.
WN/as/APA