Publications by authors named "Juliet Kasule"
Background: In October 2022, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed the first case of a Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak in the Kampala Metropolitan area (KMA). A multicomponent infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy was implemented to control the spread of Orthoebolavirus sudanense (SUDV) in KMA. We describe the deployment of this strategy, its effect on IPC capacities, and the successful control of the SVD outbreak in KMA during the 2022 outbreak.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we established and sustained local production of alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) at district scale for healthcare facilities and community, public locations in four districts in Uganda. District officials provided space and staff for production units. The project renovated space for production, trained staff on ABHR production, and transported ABHR to key locations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUganda is highly vulnerable to public health emergencies (PHEs) due to its geographic location next to the Congo Basin epidemic hot spot, placement within multiple epidemic belts, high population growth rates, and refugee influx. In view of this, Uganda's Ministry of Health established the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) in September 2013, as a central coordination unit for all PHEs in the country. Uganda followed the World Health Organization's framework to establish the PHEOC, including establishing a steering committee, acquiring legal authority, developing emergency response plans, and developing a concept of operations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * The country conducted a thorough assessment using WHO and CDC tools, mapping 40 crossing points and over 500 locations in 12 high-risk districts with fewer than 50% preparedness scores.
- * A national EVD preparedness plan was developed, focusing on improving surveillance, laboratory capacity, healthcare resources, and risk communication to combat potential EVD importation and spread.
Background: Since the declaration of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in DRC on 1st Aug 2018, several neighboring countries have been developing and implementing preparedness efforts to prevent EVD cross-border transmission to enable timely detection, investigation, and response in the event of a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. We describe Uganda's experience in EVD preparedness.
Results: On 4 August 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the National Task Force (NTF) for public health emergencies to plan, guide, and coordinate EVD preparedness in the country.
Article Synopsis
- Uganda faces increased vulnerability to epidemics due to factors like proximity to the Congo Basin, climate change, globalization, and refugee influx, making public health events a significant challenge for global health security.
- A comprehensive multi-hazard plan was created to improve emergency preparedness and response by profiling risks, identifying preparedness gaps, and leveraging a multidisciplinary team and strategic tools to analyze and manage risks.
- Key public health capabilities such as coordination, epidemiology, and risk communication were established, categorizing various health threats by risk levels, with a focus on enhancing operational responses for high and very high-risk situations.