Uganda donates 5 ambulances to Ituri's Aru health zone to fight Ebola

Uganda has provided crucial support to the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province by donating five ambulances and a significant batch of medical equipment to the Aru health zone. This initiative is part of a broader health cooperation between the two nations and aims to bolster the fight against the Ebola virus disease.

The donation, which arrived on Friday, July 24, includes not only the ambulances but also 50 beds, 50 mattresses, and various other medical supplies. These resources are intended to improve the care of Ebola patients and will also extend to neighboring health zones such as Ariwara, Adja, Aungba, and Adi, located approximately 90 kilometers from Aru.

Medical sources indicate that these health structures have faced considerable difficulties in rapidly evacuating suspected cases to the Aru treatment center. This delay has heightened the risk of spreading the epidemic in the border territory with Uganda, where confirmed cases and deaths have already been recorded. The chief medical officer of the Aru health zone believes this logistical support will significantly enhance both the response and prevention measures against Ebola.

Despite the enhanced logistical capabilities, challenges persist. Response teams continue to encounter resistance from some residents regarding prevention measures. Furthermore, the lack of mobile laboratories in several health zones complicates the ongoing efforts to control the epidemic. The high mobility of populations, particularly from areas like Mongwalu and Bunia which have been affected by the epidemic, further increases the risk of new cases emerging.

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This logistical support will contribute to strengthening the response and prevention measures against Ebola.