Dear friends,
The PIH Team in Rwanda, known locally as Inshuti Mu Buzima, is currently taking precautionary measures in response to a new Ebola outbreak in Uganda. Some of the health centers supported by PIH in Burera District are within a few miles of the border with Uganda, and could be used for treatment and isolation should the virus be discovered in Rwanda. Our team is contributing to the national preparedness efforts by donating supplies including personal protective equipment, setting up an isolation center at PIH-supported Butaro District Hospital, and aiding community and caregiver awareness.
Additionally, Dr. Marta Lado, the former Chief Medical Officer for PIH Sierra Leone and a leading Ebola expert, is currently advising the WHO team in Uganda. Dr. Lado was a leader in the PIH response to the West African Ebola Epidemic of 2014-2016—the largest Ebola outbreak in history. |
Dr. Marta Lado leads patient care in the isolation ward of 34 Military Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone's referral facility for severe COVID-19 patients in early 2020 (Jon Lascher / PIH). |
PIH’s preparations come amid a proactive government response. The Rwanda Biomedical Center put in place a National Preparedness Plan and is conducting trainings, simulation exercises, and setting up quarantine and isolation centers across the country.
Ebola is a rare and deadly virus, which, like many pathogens, is most deadly where health systems are impoverished. It is notorious for sickening and killing caregivers like doctors, nurses, and family members. Currently, there have been over 140 confirmed cases in Uganda, and 55 deaths from the virus.
Your attention and financial contributions make this kind of proactive response possible in Rwanda and around the world. We will keep you updated as the outbreak continues, and we thank you for your partnership. In solidarity, The PIH Team |
