ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The Ugandan government is providing more than 40 primary schools with handwashing facilities as a direct response to the Ebola crisis.

Water tanks, buckets, posters and brochures have been distributed to head teachers in a move coordinated by district health officials with support from UNICEF. The aim is to strengthen hygiene practices in schools and protect students from disease outbreaks, says Wakiso district environmental officer Emmanuel Ddamba.

"Ebola is real and people must continue washing their hands regularly," he said. "Research has shown that nearly 50 per cent of diseases can be prevented through proper handwashing."

School administrators welcomed the support, saying the facilities would help improve hygiene standards and create a safer learning environment for pupils.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by health authorities and development partners to strengthen public health preparedness in schools and communities amid growing concern over regional Ebola outbreaks.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Thorough hand hygiene is considered to be an effective measure in limiting the spread of the virus.

The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency due to the fast-moving outbreak in Central Africa, which is heavily affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. There are more than 1,000 suspected and confirmed infections and 240-plus deaths in the region so far.

This outbreak is particularly dangerous because it is being caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.