With support from Resolve To Save Lives, the Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu today, Friday 13^th March, 2020 handed over equipment worth UGX310Million to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats at Points of Entry (PoE). Resolve To Save lives is an American organisation dedicated to ending epidemics. The handover preceded a press conference at the Ministry Headquarters in Nakasero where the Health Minister Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng was present.

During the press conference, Dr. Andrew Kambugu, accompanied by his team that included the Head, Global Health Security Programme, Dr. Mohammed Larmode, thanked the Minister for the tireless efforts that led to the successful containment of the Ebola Virus Outbreak of June 2019.

“This achievement was made possible under the guidance and leadership of the Ministry of Health officials, working hard to ensure importation of cases does not result in onward local transmission.”

“Even while the COVID-19 pandemic has generated concern as it spreads rapidly, including to some countries in Africa, we are pledging our efforts to work in line with International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) so as to strengthen capacity at Points of Entry (PoE) to respond to public health threats through trainings,” he said.

The Executive Director said the equipment will be used to assist in risk mapping at border crossings using the Population Movement and Connectivity across Borders among other interventions. The PoEs to receive the equipment are Entebbe International Airport as well as Busia and Mpondwe border points in Busia and Kasese Districts respectively.

Dr. Aceng applauded the partnership with IDI saying that the Government acknowledges both local and international partners that continue to provide support in capacity building for preparedness and response to public health threats of international concern.

Earlier in the week, in support of One Health and knowledge of the threat posed by diseases that transfer from animals to humans, IDI through the same funding partner handed over similar equipment worth UGX200Million to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Dr. Doris Kiconco, Assistant commissioner of Animal Health at MAAIF was at the IDI Headquarters, Makerere University to receive the equipment on Wednesday 11^th March 2020.

Article by IDI Communications Office