KAMPALA, 17 March 2025 –
KAMPALA, – The Swedish Government has announced a vital US$2 million funding contribution to UNICEF to support the ongoing response to the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda. The funding, which will be utilized over the next five months, will aid Uganda’s national Sudan EVD plan, specifically targeting Kampala, its five political divisions, and the districts of Mbale and Jinja.
The response will focus on critical areas, including intensified risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), along with support for nutrition, mental health, and psychosocial services. UNICEF will work alongside Uganda’s Ministry of Health and other partners to bolster efforts to control the disease at local levels and prevent its spread.
This partnership aims to reach an estimated 8.1 million people, both directly and indirectly benefiting from the intervention efforts. Specifically, the project will intensify risk communication and community engagement, ensuring communities are informed about Ebola prevention, can recognize symptoms, and seek early care or report suspected cases to help curb the outbreak.
Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Mr. Benjamin Dousa, unveiled the funding during a visit to Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Kampala. Sweden has a long history of supporting Uganda in managing Ebola outbreaks and continues to play a key role in strengthening local health systems.
“Sweden has supported previous Ebola outbreaks in Uganda, and we are pleased to partner again with UNICEF to provide critical support during this ongoing crisis. This contribution will help strengthen Uganda’s national and local health systems, enabling a timely and effective response,” Mr. Dousa stated.
UNICEF’s Representative to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, expressed gratitude to the Swedish Government for its continued support, which has helped build stronger health systems and reduce preventable deaths, especially among children and mothers. He emphasized the importance of this funding in strengthening Uganda’s ongoing response plan.
“Thanks to Sweden’s contribution, UNICEF’s support to Uganda’s national response plan will be significantly enhanced. A comprehensive, integrated response is essential to containing the outbreak and saving lives,” said Dr. Nandy.
Key UNICEF actions in the response include:
- Supporting emergency treatment and isolation units at Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mbale City.
- Providing food and milk for affected children at Mulago’s emergency treatment unit.
- Strengthening risk communication and community engagement activities.
- Supporting vaccination rollout.
- Co-chairing critical Ministry of Health pillars, including risk communication and continuity of essential health services.
- Ensuring continued healthcare delivery through locum staff at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
- Providing hand-washing units and rehabilitation of water supply systems at Ebola treatment facilities.
- Offering mental health and psychosocial support to affected children.
This timely support from Sweden and UNICEF marks a critical step in mitigating the impact of the Sudan Ebola outbreak in Uganda, prioritizing the protection and well-being of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/uganda.
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