By Pascal Onega reporter Biiso fm
Buliisa, Uganda – The Buliisa District Health Department is grappling with an acute shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), raising concerns over the safety of frontline health workers amid efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda.
According to Robert Mugabe, the District Health Educator, the limited supply of PPE—including gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields—is insufficient to meet the demands of health workers stationed at health facilities and border points. “Our frontline health staff are at high risk of exposure, especially those stationed at entry points and in facilities receiving patients from affected areas. The current PPE stock is far from adequate,” Mugabe explained in an interview with our reporter this morning.
Heightened Risk at the Uganda-DRC Border
Buliisa, located along the Albertine region, shares close proximity with the DRC, a country currently battling Ebola outbreaks in several provinces. Health officials in Buliisa have intensified screening and surveillance at border crossings, markets, and health centers, but the lack of protective gear threatens to compromise these efforts.
“Every day, our health workers risk their lives to protect the community. Without sufficient PPE, we cannot safely carry out screenings, patient care, or community education,” Mugabe said.
Appeal to the Ministry of Health
In light of the shortage, Mugabe has issued a public appeal to the Ministry of Health, urging urgent intervention to supply adequate PPE. “We are calling on the Ministry to act immediately. The lives of our health workers and the broader community are at stake,” he emphasized.
Mugabe also highlighted the importance of training and preparedness. He noted that, beyond PPE, continuous awareness campaigns, infection prevention measures, and prompt reporting mechanisms are critical to prevent Ebola from spreading within the district.
Community Engagement and Precautionary Measures
In addition to protecting health personnel, the district has been educating the community on early warning signs of Ebola, safe burial practices, and hygiene measures. Local health teams are coordinating with village health teams, community leaders, and border authorities to ensure that monitoring is consistent and effective.
Urgent Call for Support
As Uganda strengthens its Ebola preparedness in districts bordering the DRC, the shortage of PPE in Buliisa serves as a wake-up call for urgent national and international support. Health experts warn that failure to equip frontline staff could lead to rapid community transmission, placing thousands at risk.
“The government and our partners must ensure that health workers are fully protected. Their safety is key to protecting the wider population,” Mugabe concluded.
