(PORTLAND, OR) October 5, 2022 – Medical Teams International, the global humanitarian and health organization, is responding in Uganda to help prevent the spread of Ebola. The team is screening at health facilities, mobilizing critical supplies, and conducting other work in collaboration with local health authorities to help protect themselves and others from contracting the deadly virus.

Background

On September 20, 2022, health authorities in Uganda declared an outbreak of Ebola within the country. Ebola spreads quickly from person to person, kills in a short time, and can be prevented. With early medical treatment and/or vaccination, the death rate can be significantly reduced; however, there is no vaccine for the Sudan variant of the virus which is currently present in Uganda.

This is the first Ebola outbreak in Uganda of the Sudan variant in 10 years. As of October 3rd, there were 43 cases (24 confirmed, 19 probable). There have been 29 deaths (9 confirmed and 20 probable), 37 people are currently hospitalized, and there are 884 people who have been listed as having possible contact with a confirmed case.

Medical Teams serves a population of more than one million refugees and host Ugandans. It manages and supports over 65 health facilities and more than 1,900 staff. Medical Teams is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Uganda Ministry of Health to help prevent the spread and to be prepared to transport cases to Mubende, a government health facility, if necessary.

Medical Teams’ Response

The outbreak is concentrated in central Uganda and has affected five districts, one of which hosts a settlement where Medical Teams works – Kyaka II. Staff are grateful that so far, no confirmed cases have been identified in Kyaka II. In response, Medical Teams is:

  • Prepping and training its teams to be ready for cases.
  • Screening for Ebola at all health facilities across the country.
  • Readying isolation centers in Kyaka II to receive suspected cases.
  • Mobilizing full PPE, handwashing stations, chlorine pumps, tents, and ambulances to Kyaka II to equip staff who are screening for Ebola at all facilities.
  • Mobilizing Village Health Teams (community health workers, or VHTs) to conduct contact tracing of all suspected or confirmed cases for follow-up.
  • Engaging local communities on how to protect themselves against Ebola. Basic items like soap and PPE are needed to protect health staff and the community against the spread of disease.

“Our main objective with our longtime health partners is to identify and contain the spread of Ebola as quickly as possible,” said Michael Chapman, Medical Teams Senior Director of Global Programs. “Working together through screening, isolation and containment, identification and tracing, Medical Teams is helping to protect and save lives.”

How to Help

Medical Teams is fundraising to support providing PPE and other Infection Prevention Control (IPC) materials (such as antibacterial and hand washing materials) to protect against Ebola. Funds will go directly to supporting Medical Teams’ work in Uganda. Visit medicalteams.org

About Medical Teams International

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as survivors of natural disasters and refugees. We care for the whole person— physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Daring to love like Jesus, we serve all people—regardless of religion, nationality, sex or race. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams.

#  #  #