BY CHRISTINE A
Churches, transport stages, markets and other public gathering places in Fort Portal City have been urged to establish health committees to help create awareness and prevent the spread of Ebola.
The call was made during a health dialogue held today at the Youth Centre in Nyabukara. The meeting was organized by the Uganda Red Cross Society and brought together business leaders, transport leaders, religious leaders and health experts to discuss ways of preventing the spread of the disease.
Speaking during the dialogue, Cleanous Ayebare, the Branch Manager of the Uganda Red Cross Tooro Chapter, said the meeting was aimed at finding practical solutions to stop Ebola before it spreads widely in Uganda and negatively affects transport, tourism and development.
Ayebare urged leaders of boda boda stages, taxi parks, markets, places of worship and other crowded areas to establish health committees, provide handwashing facilities and ensure strict observance of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
She also called upon participants to become ambassadors of Ebola prevention by educating their communities on how the disease spreads and how it can be prevented, while working closely with the Red Cross to save lives.
Nicholas Niwenshaba from the Ministry of Health urged the public to avoid myths and misconceptions about Ebola. He explained that the disease spreads through direct contact with body fluids of an infected person, including through caring for patients, shaking hands and sexual contact. He added that common signs and symptoms include fever, vomiting and general body weakness, and may appear within 21 days after exposure.
Representing the Fort Portal City Executive, City Speaker William Mugume urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the dialogue with others in their communities. He emphasized that fighting Ebola is everyone’s responsibility and called on residents to follow all health guidelines.
Mugume also noted that the new city leadership is committed to working with partners to improve the well-being of residents and appreciated the Uganda Red Cross and other partners for supporting efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.