RESPONDING TO EBOLA OUT BREAK IN UGANDA

*Report: Ebola Outbreak Control Plan for Gaba Hope for Kids*

*Context*
Gaba Hope for Kids works with high-risk orphaned and vulnerable children in rural villages. These communities often have limited health infrastructure, making them vulnerable during outbreaks like Ebola. While Gaba Hope for Kids is not a medical response agency, it plays a role in prevention, community engagement, and supporting children affected by outbreaks.

 1. Objective
To protect children, staff, and caregivers from Ebola infection and minimize disruption to child welfare and education during an outbreak, through prevention, early detection, and referral.

2. Prevention Measures

*Community Awareness*
- Run weekly sensitization sessions using simple, translated materials on Ebola symptoms, transmission, and safe burial practices.
- Partner with village leaders and health workers to counter misinformation and reduce stigma.

*Infection Prevention in Programs*
- Enforce handwashing with soap at all session sites. Provide handwashing stations where water is available.
- Screen children and staff for fever and symptoms before sessions during outbreaks. Refer suspected cases to the nearest health facility immediately.
- Suspend group activities if WHO or local authorities declare a high-risk alert in the area.

*Staff Training*
- Train all facilitators on WHO’s basic Ebola prevention protocols, PPE use, and referral pathways.
- Ensure staff know not to handle sick individuals or deceased bodies.

 3. Response Protocol if a Case is Suspected
1. *Isolate*: Separate the suspected individual immediately in a safe, ventilated space.
2. *Notify*: Contact local health authorities and the district Ebola response team. Do not transport the person yourself.
3. *Inform*: Notify caregivers and community leaders while maintaining confidentiality.
4. *Support*: Provide psychosocial support to children and families affected by quarantine, illness, or loss. Use the existing counseling structure for this.
5. *Document*: Record actions taken for reporting to partners and funders.

 4. Continuity of Care for Children
During lockdowns or school closures:
- Shift to safe, small-group or home-visit check-ins by trained facilitators where allowed.
- Provide caregivers with basic psychosocial support guides to use at home.
- Maintain contact with schools to track children’s status and support reintegration post-outbreak.

 5. Coordination and Communication
- Establish a direct line with the district health office and district Ebola taskforce.
- Share weekly updates with the Gaba Hope for Kids board on program status and risks.
- Align messaging with WHO, Ministry of Health, and UNICEF to avoid conflicting information.

6. Monitoring and Learning

Track:
- Number of staff/children trained on Ebola prevention.
- Number of referrals made to health facilities.
- Program attendance rates during outbreak periods.
- Cases of stigma or psychosocial distress reported and addressed.

After the outbreak, conduct a brief review with staff and community to capture what worked and update the plan.

 7. Limitations
Gaba Hope for Kids does not provide medical treatment or isolation facilities. The role is to support prevention, referral, and psychosocial continuity while deferring to qualified health authorities for clinical response.

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This plan aligns with WHO guidance on community-based response and can be activated within 48 hours if an alert is issued in your operating area.