The Government of Sweden has announced a new USD2 million contribution to UNICEF to support the response to the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
The funding, allocated for five months, will assist UNICEF in addressing the immediate priorities outlined in the Government of Uganda’s national Sudan EVD plan, focusing on Kampala and its five political divisions, as well as the districts of Mbale and Jinja.
Key activities under this funding will include intensified risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) efforts, as well as nutrition and mental health and psychosocial support services.
The support aims to help UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, enhance coordination efforts at the sub-national level and prevent the further spread of EVD.
Additionally, UNICEF will work with the government and other partners to strengthen targeted risk communication and community engagement initiatives, ensuring communities are aware of Ebola prevention measures, can recognize symptoms, and seek early care or report suspected cases to help interrupt transmission within communities.
An estimated 8.1 million people, both directly and indirectly, are expected to benefit from these interventions.
Benjamin Dousa, the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, announced the new funding during a visit to Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Kampala, where UNICEF is also supporting the delivery of quality maternal and newborn care services, funded by Sweden.
Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF’s Representative to Uganda, expressed gratitude to the Government of Sweden for its ongoing support, highlighting the significant role Sweden’s contributions have played in strengthening Uganda’s health systems and reducing preventable deaths, especially among children and mothers.
By Ben Musanje
17th Mar 2025
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