Religious leaders in the West Nile sub-region have commended ADRA Uganda for its timely support to communities and institutions in the fight against Ebola, saying the intervention has strengthened preparedness and response efforts in schools, churches, markets, and health facilities.
The leaders noted that ADRA Uganda’s support has enhanced awareness, surveillance, and infection prevention measures in public places where large numbers of people gather to worship.
The leaders were speaking during an interaction with the ADRA Uganda Ebola Emergency Response Team, which is operating in the West Nile districts of Nebbi, Zombo, Arua, and Pakwach to support the Ministry of Health and district task forces in strengthening Ebola prevention efforts.
In the region, ADRA uganda has implemented several interventions, including,
- Support for surveillance and monitoring: ADRA provided surveillance books and referral forms to schools to help institutions record students showing signs and symptoms of illness.
- Risk Communication and Community Engagement: Through community sensitization campaigns, ADRA-Uganda is educating the public on Ebola prevention, symptoms, reporting mechanisms, and safe practices. The organization worked closely with local leaders, faith leaders to combat misinformation.
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Interventions: ADRA- Uganda has also strengthened sanitation and hygiene practices by supporting waste management, promoting handwashing, and improving access to hygiene supplies in vulnerable communities. The organization donated handwashing stations to schools, churches, markets and health facilities to promote regular hand hygiene and reduce the risk of transmission.
- Partnership and Coordination: ADRA collaborated with the Ministry of Health and local governments to ensure a coordinated response to the outbreak. It also participated in regional Ebola awareness campgains in West Nile.
The former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, said the donated materials have improved hygiene standards and strengthened the capacity of institutions to identify, record, and monitor suspected cases.
“The support from ADRA Uganda has come at a critical time when communities need to remain vigilant against Ebola. The handwashing facilities have enhanced our ability to protect worshippers and the wider community,” Archbishop Orombi said.
He called on communities to strictly adhere to Ebola Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), emphasizing that places of worship are vital platforms for public health awareness, disease prevention, and the dissemination of life-saving information.
Reverend Father Walter Wokorach of St. Dominic Parish in Zombo observed that churches play a vital role in disseminating health information and have incorporated Ebola prevention messages into their sermons to response this public health emergencies.
Father Wokorach said the surveillance and registration books donated by ADRA Uganda have enabled schools to keep proper records of learners and monitor potential health risks.
School administrators who benefited from ADRA Uganda’s intervention noted that the handwashing stations installed by the organization have promoted regular hand hygiene among learners and staff, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Father Jerry Yoaciel, the Hospital Administrator of Holy Family Hospital, praised ADRA Uganda for the support.
“The support from ADRA Uganda has come at the right time with a good intention of keeping patients safe and maintaining infection prevention and control standards,” he said.
The church leaders further urged communities to continue observing recommended health measures, including regular handwashing, early reporting of suspected cases, and adherence to guidance issued by health authorities.
They pledged to continue working closely with ADRA Uganda, the Ministry of Health to promote Ebola awareness and safeguard communities from future outbreaks.
Sheik Shaban Karala of Arua Muslim District
The District Kadhi of Arua Muslim District, Sheikh Shaban Karala, called upon Muslim faithful to disregard misconceptions that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are prohibited in Islam.
He clarified that sanitizers are a public health necessity intended to protect lives and should not be regarded as haram.
“I urge all Muslims across the region to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines. Sanitizers are for your health and safety; they help prevent Ebola infection and should not be rejected because of myths,” Sheikh Karala said.
Sheikh Karala further thanked ADRA Uganda for its timely intervention in strengthening Ebola preparedness across West Nile.
“We are grateful to ADRA Uganda for the support extended to our communities. The materials donated will enhance disease surveillance, improve hygiene practices, and help safeguard lives. This partnership demonstrates the importance of working together to prevent the spread of Ebola,” Sheikh Karala said.
Rev. Charles Collins Adaku of Madi west Nile Dioces
The Bishop of Madi West Nile Diocese, Rt. Rev. Charles Collins Andaku, urged Christians in the border archdeaconries and across the diocese to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to all Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
Bishop Andaku noted that Madi West Nile Diocese, the largest diocese in the Province of the Church of Uganda, faces an elevated risk due to its geographical location.
He said five of its archdeaconries Logiri, Vurra, Arua, Koboko, and Keri share borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola cases have been reported.
He explained that the numerous porous border points and the constant movement of traders, farmers, and families across the border significantly increase the risk of cross-border transmission.
“As religious leaders, we must become agents of transformation and responsibility by strictly observing all the standard operating procedures to curb the spread of Ebola,” Bishop Andaku emphasized.
The bishop Andaku also expressed gratitude to ADRA Uganda for supporting churches, schools, health facilities, and communities with essential Ebola prevention supplies.
“We sincerely appreciate ADRA Uganda for standing with our communities during this critical period. The handwashing facilities, personal protective equipment, surveillance materials, and registration books provided will greatly strengthen our preparedness and help protect our people from Ebola,” Bishop Andaku said.
