A new Public Health Emergency Operation Center has been launched in Moroto, Karamoja, to strengthen the region’s response to disease outbreaks. The facility, set up by the Ministry of Health, will serve as a hub for coordinating rapid responses to health crises and enhancing public health preparedness.
“According to its design, the referral pathway for managing disease outbreaks will begin at the village level, ensuring that cases are quickly identified and managed,” said Dr. Stephen Pande, Director of Moroto Regional Referral Hospital.
The center’s establishment comes at a critical time, as the region has recently experienced outbreaks of measles and anthrax. “This center will be crucial in our efforts to respond swiftly to health crises and prevent the spread of diseases like measles and anthrax,” added Dr. John Baptist Waniaye, Commissioner for Emergency Health Services.
Local leaders have welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for sustained government funding to ensure the center’s effectiveness. “While this center is a positive step, it will only be effective if the government commits to fully funding it and ensuring that resources reach the grassroots,” said Paul Lotee Komol, District Chairman of Kotido.
The Ministry of Health has assured them of its commitment to supporting the facility and ensuring that resources reach the grassroots level. The launch of the Karamoja Public Health Emergency Operation Center marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to improve its public health infrastructure and respond to emerging health challenges.
