The Ministry of Health has launched a week-long campaign to promote sanitation and hygiene across the country. The campaign is being conducted in various regions, including urban and rural areas, to address critical health issues.
Officials have reported that poor sanitation and hygiene practices are leading to widespread health problems, particularly in areas with high population density. The lack of proper waste disposal systems and inadequate toilet facilities have exacerbated the situation, causing an increase in diseases.
Local leaders have highlighted that the absence of proper waste management systems in these areas has led to the accumulation of garbage, which is now posing a serious health risk. They have called for immediate intervention to address the issue of waste disposal and the construction of durable toilet facilities.
The leaders have appealed to the Ministry of Health and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to increase the speed of waste collection and to build long-lasting toilets in the affected areas. They emphasized that the current situation is dire and requires urgent action.
Benon Kigenyi, the Deputy Mayor of Kampala, assured residents that the city authorities are working to increase the number of garbage collection trucks and improve waste management services. He acknowledged the challenges but promised that efforts are being made to address them.
A representative from the Ministry of Health warned residents about the dangers of poor sanitation, stating that many people do not have access to proper toilet facilities. This has led to the spread of diseases, particularly among children. The official emphasized that cholera outbreaks often start in areas with poor sanitation and can spread rapidly if not controlled.
Margaret Muhanga, the Minister of Health, expressed her concern over the situation and commended Ugandans who are taking steps to improve sanitation in their communities. She stressed the importance of proper hygiene practices and urged everyone to take responsibility for maintaining clean environments.
Ruth Acheng, another official from the Ministry of Health, also emphasized the importance of the campaign. She encouraged local leaders to take proactive steps to ensure that their communities remain clean and healthy. However, she noted that there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed.
The campaign is part of the government's broader efforts to improve public health and reduce the spread of diseases caused by poor sanitation. The Ministry of Health is calling on all stakeholders to work together to achieve these goals.
