JICA Uganda Office Supports Uganda’s Ebola Preparedness through the Provision of Hand Sanitizers

In response to the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, JICA Uganda Office has provided approximately 9,000 liters of hand sanitizers at the request of the Ministry of Health of Uganda. The handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health Headquarters on 19 June 2026, and the sanitizers will be distributed primarily to health facilities in high-risk areas.

This support was provided under JICA’s Technical Cooperation Project, “Project on Patient Safety Establishment through 5S-CQI-TQM (note).” The project promotes improvements in the quality of healthcare services and strengthens infection prevention and control measures within health facilities. As Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected individuals, proper hand hygiene is recognized as one of the most fundamental and effective measures for healthcare workers involved in patient care.

The approximately 9,000 liters of hand sanitizers supplied through this initiative are expected to cover approximately a two-week supply for all public hospitals across Uganda, thereby contributing to the protection of both healthcare workers and patients.

Through this support, JICA aims to assist the Government of Uganda’s efforts to contain Ebola while strengthening health systems that protect both healthcare workers and patients. By helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases, JICA also seeks to contribute to reducing public health risks not only in Uganda but also across the international community, including Japan.

Note: 5S-CQI-TQM: 5S (Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, Sustain)- Continuous Quality Improvement - Total Quality Management: Japanese "5S" (Organize, Tidy, Clean, Clean, Discipline), Kaizen, Total Quality Management. Methods for improving the workplace environment and quality control developed in Japan industry.