KAMPALA – The government has established an emergency inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng in a bid to manage the disastrous coronavirus.
Delivering a statement to members of parliament on January 29 during plenary the state minister of health, Hon. Robinah Nabbanja said that the public should remain calm as no cases have been reported in Uganda.
“Currently now confirmed cases of coronavirus however it’s important a no of passengers who travel in China and Uganda, that the public are keen and should identify suspected cases,” Nabbanja said.
Nabbaja explained that certain precautions like covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away into a bin. Thoroughly cook eggs and meat. Avoid handshakes, close contact. If you have fever, cough, and hardship in breathing, seek medical care early. The Coronavirus is deadly and lead to death.
“Delay travel to china. An inter-ministerial committee, chaired by the minister of health to conduct all preparedness aimed at prevention. Health ministry appeals to the public to remain calm and report any suspected cases on toll-free,” She noted.
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
It causes illness from common cold, severe acute. There are transmitted between the animal. China has reported 106 deaths reported and 56 in other countries
The ministry is working with partners to enhance surveillance at all areas points of entry like Entebbe International Airport and placed conducting the screening. In addition they have sensitized all the staff on the potential risks. Entebbe and Naguru regions are currently have been designated for emergency responses and monitor the cases.
Ugandans traveling from China are to remain there until the virus has been contained. The general public is urged to avoid gatherings, maintain personal hygiene among others.
The Busia woman MP, Jane Nabulindo said coming from the border, all the Chinese coming into Ugandan should be screened very well.
Tororo South MP, Fredrick Angura asked the ministry to measures at our borders, for example, Malaba with the movement of different people. There is a need to upgraded to a health center iv and could go a long way in helping to reduce burden on the government.
Koboko County, Hon. James Baba Bolida appealed to the government to stop those traveling in Uganda to protect Ugandans against the deadly virus. Baba added that serious measures should be reinforced at the borders with proper facilitation of those manning the operation.
The Manjiya County, John Baptist Nambeshe wondered the measures the government has put in place to ensure that species like birds are a potential danger as there are chances that those coming from China could interact with from Uganda.
Ayivu county Bernard Atiku pointed out that the public needs to be sensitized against consuming some animals and reptiles since the virus is known to originate from these species.
Maracha woman MP, Rose Ayaka Atima informed the House that its high time Uganda stopped being reactionary when there is a threat.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Betty Aol Ochan, noted that having experienced Ebola, it’s not easy to deal with outbreaks urging the government to disseminate the right information to the people because it was already reported on social media that ARvs can cure the virus. The public needs to be guided as some could resort to using drugs.
The speaker of parliament, Jacob Oulanyah tasked the government to give the public information so that they are protected.
