Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine has strongly defended Uganda’s frontline health workers, dismissing allegations that medical personnel benefit financially from disease outbreaks and warning against rhetoric that undermines public health response efforts.
Dr. Atwine said healthcare workers operating in Ebola treatment units, isolation facilities, laboratories and surveillance teams continue to put their lives at risk to protect communities from deadly infectious diseases. She stressed that their work is driven by a commitment to saving lives rather than personal gain.
Her remarks come amid ongoing discussions on Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak, during which some critics have alleged that health officials and frontline workers benefit from emergency response operations. Dr. Atwine rejected such claims, saying they unfairly target professionals who often work long hours under difficult and dangerous conditions.
She emphasized that disease outbreaks place enormous pressure on health workers, many of whom face the risk of infection while conducting case investigations, contact tracing, patient care and community surveillance. Undermining their efforts, she warned, could weaken public confidence in health interventions at a time when cooperation from communities is critical.
Uganda remains on high alert following confirmed Ebola cases linked to the wider outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities continue to monitor contacts, strengthen border surveillance and coordinate with regional and international partners to contain the spread of the virus.
Dr. Atwine called on the public to support frontline responders and rely on verified information from health authorities, noting that misinformation and unfounded accusations can hinder efforts to control outbreaks and protect lives.
She reiterated that Uganda’s health workers deserve recognition for their sacrifice and dedication, particularly during public health emergencies when they serve as the first line of defense against dangerous diseases.
