Uganda receives $1 million AfDB grant to fight Ebola
The African Development Bank has released a
$1 million (Shs 37billion) grant to Uganda to support the country’s efforts
to combat the deadly the Ebola virus.
The grant to support Uganda’s National Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) preparedness
and response plan, was approved in January. Funds have been disbursed through
the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the implementing agency.
The grant follows a request by the Government of Uganda to the African
Development Bank to support the country’s efforts in containing the Ebola
scourge that recently claimed the lives of three people in Kasese district.
The Bank is working with Uganda’s Ministry
of Health, and the WHO, a specialized agency of the United Nations on
health-related issues.
The agreement was signed by the Bank’s Uganda Country Manager, Kennedy
Mbekeani, Uganda’s Minister of Finance Planning and Economic
Development, Matia Kasaija, and Dr. Rebecca Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s
Regional Director for Africa.
The funds will be used for the management of suspected and confirmed EVD
cases in Uganda, including the procurement and distribution of medical
supplies, and care of people affected by Ebola.
The grant will also be used to strengthen
readiness and capacity at the national level and in high-risk districts,
including training and emergency support. With this support, response teams
will be quickly deployed and surveillance of the disease will be
strengthened.
The Bank praised the Ugandan government for its vigilance, and called upon
other development partners to support its efforts to stem transmission of
Ebola infection and prevent new outbreaks in non-affected areas.
Uganda’s request for emergency relief assistance will help to save and
protect lives, and restore the normal livelihoods and economic activity of
people in 31 districts in the country.
The request falls within the Bank’s revised policy guidelines and procedures for emergency relief assistance. Uganda’s Ebola response plan is aligned with the Bank’s High priority which aims to “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.”
