AfDB approves $1 million grant for Uganda to stem Ebola transmission
Kampala, Uganda (PANA) - The African Development Bank (AfDB) has released a $1 million grant to Uganda to help the East African country tackle an outbreak of the Ebola virus, the Bank said on its website on Wednesday.
It said the grant to support Uganda’s National Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) Preparedness and Response Plan, was approved in January. Funds have been disbursed through the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the implementing agency.
It follows a request by the Government of Uganda to AfDB to support the country’s efforts in containing the Ebola scourge that has so far killed three people in the East African nation. The Bank said it is working with Uganda’s Ministry of Health and WHO, on a subject.
The statement said the agreement was signed by the AfDB's Uganda Country Manager, Kennedy Mbekeani, Uganda’s Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, and Dr. Rebecca Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s Regional Director for Africa.
The funds will be used for the management of suspected and confirmed EVD cases in Uganda, including the procurement and distribution of medical supplies, and care of people affected by Ebola.
It will also be used to strengthen readiness and capacity at the national level and in high-risk districts, including training and emergency support. With this support, response teams will be quickly deployed and surveillance of the disease will be strengthened.
The Government of Uganda’s request for emergency relief assistance will help to save and protect lives, and restore the normal livelihoods and economic activity of people in 31 districts in the country, AfDB said.
-0- PANA MA 12Feb2020
