Health Minister Warns Against Profiteering in Tooro Region’s Ebola Response

The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, has cautioned health workers and local leaders in the Tooro region against exploiting the Ebola outbreak for financial gain.

She emphasized the importance of efficiently utilizing existing resources to manage the crisis, noting the government’s financial limitations and the absence of a dedicated budget for the Ebola response.

Ebola Outbreak in Fort Portal

Dr. Aceng’s warning follows the confirmation of an Ebola case in Fort Portal City. The patient was among six suspected cases admitted to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, with links to an outbreak in Ntoroko district.

Resident City Commissioner Stanley Bayole, who also chairs the Ebola Task Force, confirmed the case and stressed the need for swift containment efforts.

Urgent Meeting on Containment Measures

In response to the outbreak, Dr. Aceng convened a high-level meeting with health workers and leaders from the Tooro and Rwenzori regions to assess the situation and reinforce containment strategies. The meeting featured presentations from ground teams and the incident commander, detailing the outbreak’s status and available resources.

Dr. Aceng reiterated that the government’s financial capacity remains strained and urged stakeholders to avoid turning the crisis into an opportunity for personal enrichment. She also warned health workers against unnecessary exposure while treating patients, stressing the need for strict adherence to safety protocols.

Government’s Response and Directives

The Health Minister outlined key government measures, including isolation protocols, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns, to curb the spread of the virus. Additionally, she directed the Ebola Task Force to reverse restrictions preventing parents from visiting their children in schools, cautioning that such policies could have negative consequences.

Addressing concerns over funding withdrawals from health service partners, Dr. Aceng assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to mobilizing resources to tackle the outbreak.

Calls for Better Healthcare Facilities

Participants at the meeting acknowledged the government’s response efforts but urged the Ministry of Health to strengthen Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital and other health centers to enhance service delivery.

With one confirmed Ebola case, six suspected cases, and over 20 contacts in isolation, the situation remains critical as authorities prioritize containment and prevention measures.