Proposal to address the medium- to long-term EBOLA associated psychological Distress and psychosocial problems in Mubende District in central Uganda (Ebola+D Project)

Lead Research Organisation: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Technical Summary

On 20th September 2022, the Ministry of Health of Uganda confirmed the first case of the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) through testing done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). As of 15/11/2022, the epidemic has spread to 9 districts in Uganda with 141 confirmed cases, 55 confirmed deaths, including 19 health workers (7 of whom have died) [1]. Mubende district (population 720,000) has been the epi-centre of this epidemic contributing 58/141 (41%) of the confirmed cases and 2,173 contacts and since the 15/10/2022 been under lockdown. The population in the district of Mubende is under intense psychological distress arising both from the direct effects of the Ebola epidemic on individuals and families and indirectly from the negative effects of the Ebola containment measures on livelihoods and on the economy of the district [1]. This project aims to support mental health services in Mubende district (population 720,000) to cope with the negative mental health and psychosocial consequences of the EVD outbreak. This project will employ a health systems strengthening approach to enhance the still fragile mental health services in the district and at the same time to ensure sustainability. The Mental Health Section of the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit will work with the Mental Health and Control of Substance Use, Division of the Ministry of Health and Mubende District Medical Services to implement this project.

People

ORCID iD

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Ebola+D 
Organisation Ministry of Health, Uganda
Country Uganda 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution I and my research team are implementing this project
Collaborator Contribution Representatives from the Ministry of Health (Dr Hafsa Lukwata Sentongo, Ag. Assistant Commissioner Mental Health and Control of Substance Use and Dr Kenneth Kalani, Field Coordinator of the Ebola MHPSS response and Executive Director of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital and District Medical Officer) provide supervision to the project, they are also members of the study advisory committee.
Impact None
Start Year 2023
 
Description Partnership to undertake the HIV+D study 
Organisation Ministry of Health, Uganda
Country Uganda 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution I and my research team at the Mental Health Focus Area of the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Research Unit are implementing this study.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Hafsa Lukwata Sentongo, Ag. Assistant Commissioner Mental Health and Control of Substance Use and Dr Kenneth Kalani, Field Coordinator of the Ebola MHPSS response from the Ministry of Health of Uganda are supporting this study.
Impact None so far
Start Year 2022
 
Description Ebola National Response Review Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Made a presentation on updates of undertaking the Ebola+D project to members of the Ebola National Response Group
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023