The article discusses how Uganda has improved its emergency response to health crises, specifically during outbreaks like Ebola. In the past, setting up treatment facilities could take weeks, but now, thanks to a trained Emergency Medical Team (EMT), the response time has been reduced to just hours. Dr. Allan Mugarura, a member of this EMT, received a call late one night about an Ebola outbreak and was ready to deploy within 24 hours. He joined his team to set up a treatment unit quickly, which allowed them to start admitting patients almost immediately. Before the EMT was established, Uganda faced delays in mobilizing medical staff and resources during outbreaks. Now, they have a roster of trained professionals who can be called upon quickly without significantly disrupting regular health services. The EMT program began in 2021 with training supported by the World Health Organization, and it has grown to include hundreds of trained responders. This rapid response capability has been proven effective in saving lives during recent outbreaks, significantly lowering death rates. Moreover, Uganda's improved response capacity is now benefiting neighboring countries, as they have begun cross-border assistance during health emergencies. Despite these advancements, Uganda aims to further enhance its emergency response capabilities by securing more resources, training, and international recognition for its EMT. Overall, the country is shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach in managing health emergencies.
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