Uganda: WHO expects Ebola vaccines for trial soon

Ebola vaccines are expected to arrive soon in Uganda. Since the outbreak was declared on September 20, the virus has spread across the country disrupting the school year and reaching the capital Kampala.

The head of emergency operations for WHO Africa says progress is being made.

"The outbreak has allowed us to advance on the vaccine front with significant progress over the past two months", Fiona Braka announced. 

"Manufacturers are working hard on the pre-filling and packaging of vaccine vials, according to the feedback we have from the manufacturers, we expect to have the vaccines (for trials .ed) in the country soon."

So far 56 people were confirmed dead according to Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Since the beginning of the outbreak, Rapid Response Team members have been deployed in the districts that reported cases and were contacts live.

"We have 200 field team members that have been trained, the ultra-cold chain equipment is in place, and the personnel protective equipment is in place," the head of Emergency operationssaid. 

"So everything is ready to receive the vaccines and to kick start, once the vaccine arrives. "

In early October, the World Health Organization chief announce the upcoming launch of clinical trial of vaccines to combat the Sudan strain of Ebola identified in Uganda.

The country’s Health minister was positive Uganda was 'winning' its fight.

"Of the nine Ebola affected districts, four have reported no cases in more than three weeks and we are seeing a general decline in cases in all the districts in Uganda", Humphrey Karamagi , a medical officer for WHO Africa confirmed.

Ebola is spread through bodily fluids. Common symptoms are fever, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea.

According to WHO criteria, an outbreak of the disease ends when there are no new cases for 42 consecutive days -- twice the incubation period of Ebola.