Uganda Decentralizes Ebola Testing to Arua and Kasese to Speed Up Response

The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has announced a strategic decentralization of Ebola virus disease testing to the districts of Arua and Kasese, a move designed to enhance the nation’s response to frequent outbreaks.

Dr. Stephen Balinandi, a virologist and manager of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever reference lab at UVRI, explained that this expansion is crucial given the increasing frequency of Ebola outbreaks in Uganda. Previously, suspected samples had to be transported to laboratories in Kampala or Entebbe, leading to delays.

“We are focusing on upcountry facilities,” Dr. Balinandi stated. “As of today (Wednesday), testing capacity is being activated in Arua to handle suspected Ebola samples within the region.” Another laboratory is also being set up at Bwera Hospital in Kasese to serve samples from western Uganda and the border region with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This decentralization is expected to dramatically cut down the turnaround time for test results. “Within six hours, the results should be out,” Dr. Balinandi noted, highlighting the elimination of an 8 to 12-hour transportation delay for samples from Kasese or Arua.

UVRI Director, Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, expressed optimism about Uganda’s improved response capabilities, attributing fewer deaths and faster containment of the disease to interventions like quicker result times. He emphasized that while caution is necessary, Uganda’s situation differs from that in the DRC, noting only one death and one infection domestically so far, with robust border surveillance in place.

The Ministry of Health has reported two imported cases of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in Kampala, originating from the DR Congo, one of whom passed away. Approximately 127 health workers and contacts have been quarantined. Meanwhile, the WHO reports over 500 suspected cases, including 131 deaths, in the DR Congo.

This initiative is supported by foreign partners who have pledged $34.5 million to bolster Ebola response efforts in both Uganda and the DR Congo, aiming to curb the virus’s spread and strengthen national response systems. The government has also implemented health guidelines for schools amidst the outbreak, including temperature screening.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)