Publications by authors named "J Ojwang"
Rift valley fever outbreak in Sembabule District, Uganda, December 2020.
One Health Outlook
November 2023
Article Synopsis
- Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a serious viral illness affecting both humans and livestock, characterized by high mortality and severe symptoms; the outbreak was highlighted by a confirmed human case in Uganda in December 2020.
- The investigation involved defining suspect and confirmed cases through symptoms and testing methodologies (RT-PCR for humans and ELISA for livestock) to monitor the situation and gather data on exposure risks.
- Results indicated that while the index case consumed raw cow milk and had a positive connection to the virus, most herdsmen and surrounding individuals remained asymptomatic; however, potential contact with infected animal fluids raised concerns about broader transmission.
Uganda has implemented several interventions that have contributed to prevention, early detection, and effective response to Public Health Emergencies (PHEs). However, there are gaps in collecting and documenting data on the overall response to these PHEs. We set out to establish a comprehensive electronic database of PHEs that occurred in Uganda since 2000.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUganda established a National Action Plan for Health Security in 2019, following a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of International Health Regulations (2005) capacities in 2017. The action plan enhanced national health security awareness, but implementation efforts were affected by limited funding, excess of activities, and challenges related to monitoring and evaluation. To improve implementation, Uganda conducted a multisectoral health security self-assessment in 2021 using the second edition of the JEE tool and developed a 1-year operational plan.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The COVID-19 pandemic spread across borders and prompted countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda to analyze population movement for better disease response starting May 2020.
- Health ministries conducted focus groups and participatory mapping to identify key areas for COVID-19 surveillance, outreach, and collaboration across borders.
- Despite different approaches, all three countries adapted their health strategies during the pandemic, showcasing how governments tailor their responses based on local cultural and cross-border needs to enhance global health security.