Kaputa forms Ebola prepared committee

–Government has set up a preparedness committee in Kaputa district of Northern Province which is aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

Kaputa District Commissioner, Chrispine Kachusha, said the district has taken this measure after two cases of Ebola virus were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mr. Kachusha said the recording of the Ebola Virus cases in the DRC has put Kaputa district at high risk as the district shares ‘uncontrolled’ borders with Congo.

He said the preparedness committee, which comprises Government Heads of Departments, the Ministry of Health, Church, traditional leaders and the community will undertake vigorous sensitisation programmes in communities.

The DC told ZANIS after the meeting today that the sensitisation programmes on Ebola will start today.

Mr Kachusha said the committee will also hold public meetings in markets, Churches and villages all aimed at putting people on alert and prevent the spread of the disease in the district.

He said the sensitisation programmes will continue until such a time the district is assured that it is not at risk of recording any Ebola case.

The DC has since appealed to government through the Provincial Medical Office in Kasama to send necessary equipment to the medical team in Kaputa for them to handle any possible case of the disease.

He said although the district is ready to tackle any possible spread of the disease, it may be affected by lack of equipment.

Mr Kachusha said the medical office has informed him that they have not received any equipment for handling this.

He has, however, remained hopeful that the equipment will soon be sent to Kaputa to equip medical personnel to handle any possible threat on the virus.