Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda, home to approximately 48.66 million people, according to a recent report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, faces significant challenges in controlling the spread of deadly filoviruses.
The high population density has accelerated transmission, while widespread poverty—especially in regions like Gulu and Mubende—has further hindered timely disease containment.
Over 42% of Ugandans live on less than $2.15 per day, severely limiting access to healthcare. Although Uganda’s overall poverty rate stands at 4%, economic disparities remain stark, particularly in rural and high-risk areas.
Limited healthcare facilities, inadequate resources, and economic hardships make it difficult for affected communities to seek timely medical intervention, allowing outbreaks to persist and escalate.
Ebola and Marburg have, over the years, caused widespread panic among the population. These diseases are not only excruciating but also highly fatal, causing hemorrhagic fevers with extremely high mortality rates.
Uganda has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks, with the most recent in 2022, which resulted in 164 confirmed cases and 77 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 47%.
Marburg virus outbreaks in Uganda have been less frequent but still deadly, with the most recent outbreak in 2017 recording 3 confirmed cases and 3 deaths, resulting in a 100% fatality rate.
With the already existing gaps in Uganda’s healthcare system, the withdrawal of USAID funding has worsened the situation, especially considering the rapid transmission of these diseases.
The lifestyle of people in affected areas further compounds the issue, as Marburg is linked to cave-dwelling bats, which cannot be avoided.
Many communities have coexisted with these animals and their caves for generations, increasing the risk of exposure.
Studies show that over 70% of households in high-risk areas depend on caves for shelter, farming, and tourism, making disease prevention even more challenging.
Managing these diseases has been particularly difficult due to widespread misinformation, deliberate disinformation, deep-rooted cultural beliefs, and limited access to healthcare.
In many communities, illnesses like Ebola and Marburg are often misattributed to witchcraft or curses, leading to delays in seeking medical attention.
By the time proper healthcare intervention is considered, the disease has often spread extensively, making containment and treatment even more difficult.
More efforts are needed to destigmatise these diseases, encouraging affected individuals to seek medical help without fear or hesitation.
Lessons can be drawn from the successful management of HIV/AIDS, where sustained awareness campaigns, community engagement, and healthcare interventions have helped reduce stigma and improve treatment outcomes.
Strengthening public health education, dispelling myths, and improving healthcare accessibility are crucial steps in combating these deadly outbreaks. Deliberate efforts can lead to a future where these devastating illnesses are effectively controlled.
Source: Nilepost News
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