Kasulu District in Kigoma Region is stepping up preparedness against Ebola and other infectious disease outbreaks, with health authorities assessing the readiness of local facilities to detect and respond to suspected cases.
A team of experts from the Ministry of Health’s Department of Emergency and Disaster Management and Health Services Quality Assurance Unit, working with the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), conducted a preparedness assessment at Kasulu Town Hospital (Mlimani).
The exercise focused on identifying gaps that could undermine an effective response and ensuring the hospital has the necessary systems, equipment and personnel to respond to health emergencies.
The assessment covered the operation of isolation facilities, emergency and ambulance services, availability of medicines and medical supplies, as well as the ability of health workers to identify suspected cases and take immediate action.
The preparedness drive is particularly significant for Kasulu because of its location near international borders, where the movement of people can increase the risk of infectious diseases crossing into the country.
Health authorities are therefore strengthening surveillance and response capacity to ensure suspected cases are detected early and managed appropriately, particularly amid concerns over Ebola in neighbouring countries.
Practical training and on-site supervision are being conducted to equip health workers with the skills needed to safely manage suspected cases while protecting themselves, patients and the wider community.
Authorities are also stepping up public awareness campaigns, urging residents to learn the warning signs of Ebola, observe preventive measures and promptly report anyone suspected of having symptoms.
The measures are intended to strengthen Tanzania’s early-warning and response systems while ensuring communities in border areas such as Kasulu are better prepared to prevent and contain potential outbreaks.
