Uganda Health News: Health crisis feared in Namutumba district

Namutumba Woman MP, Florence Mutyabule and Betty Onyango addressing the media

Ultimate Media

Leaders from Namutumba district have warned of a looming outbreak of cholera and other water borne diseases unless government intervenes on lack of latrines in the district.

The new district has the least number of latrines in the country, with health experts often warning that such a situation could pose a grave health risk.

The district secretary of production, Betty Onyango told journalists at Parliament today that efforts by the local leaders to sensitize the population on the risks have not borne much fruit, hence an appeal to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to intervene.

The area MP, Florence Mutyabule is also lobbying for support from the Works ministry to work on the poor road network, which has in a way contributed to deaths of patients being transported to the health centers.

Mutyabule further called on government to sensitize the masses on communicable diseases, to observe personal health and sanitation measures to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera, malnutrition and malaria.

She adds that asks the Ministry of Health to come up with sensitization programmes in the village and work with Local government ministry to ensure there is adequate staff.

She says the district is also in need of a blood bank, a nutritionist, beds and mattresses in heath centers, medical stores, a mortuary and staff houses.

The Ministry of Water and Environment has been also urged to join the initiative and intensify sanitation, environmental and water programmes in the districts so as to create a healthy environment for the people