By Willy Chowoo
The Government of Sweden has committed $2 million (sh 7,286,160,000) to UNICEF to support Uganda’s response to the ongoing Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.
The funds, to be utilized over five months, will bolster Uganda’s national Ebola response plan, with a focus on Kampala (including its five divisions), Mbale, and Jinja. The intervention will target risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), nutrition, and mental health support.
Speaking during a visit to Kawempe National Referral Hospital, where Sweden funds maternal and newborn healthcare programs through UNICEF, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Mr. Benjamin Dousa, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s health sector.
“Sweden has played a key role in Uganda’s past Ebola responses. This funding will further strengthen national and community-level systems for timely prevention and response,” he said.
Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, welcomed the contribution, emphasizing its impact on containment efforts. “A sustained, integrated response is crucial to stopping the outbreak and saving lives. This support strengthens our work with the Government of Uganda to protect communities,” Dr. Nandy said.
Approximately 8.1 million people are expected to benefit directly and indirectly from the intervention.
UNICEF’s Role in the Ebola Response
UNICEF’s contributions to Uganda’s Sudan EVD response include:
Establishing emergency treatment and isolation units at Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mbale City.
Providing food and milk for affected children at Mulago’s treatment unit.
Leading risk communication and community engagement efforts.
Supporting the EVD vaccination rollout.
Distributing lifesaving medical equipment, hygiene kits, and handwashing stations.
Co-chairing the Ministry of Health’s Risk Communication and Social Mobilization and Continuity of Essential Health Services pillars.
Deploying 15 locum health workers at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Rehabilitating water systems at Mbale Ebola Isolation Centre.
Offering mental health and psychosocial support for children in isolation centers and aiding their reintegration.
This latest contribution builds on Sweden’s long-standing support for Uganda’s public health and emergency response efforts, including past interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
