By Nobert Atukunda
Makerere University has introduced a short course on pandemics to enhance preparedness and management of epidemics.The course called Pandemic Preparedness with One Health Approach (PPOH) will benefit at least 30 people from the East Africa region.Mr Joseph Odoi, the assistant Communications and Knowledge Management Officer at Makerere University School of Public Health, yesterday said the course is set to kick off in November. Mr Odoi said the course is free of charge and aims at equipping participants with knowledge, attitude and skills in epidemic preparedness and response. It will last one month.“This is a unique opportunity for disease outbreak responders, frontline implementers, crisis communicators, social scientists, and agriculturalists, among others, to learn from experts, who will train them as participants to analyse and explain the challenges of the pandemic preparedness and response under a one-health approach,” he said.Mr Odoi said this is a full time course which will be presented in a face-to-face encounter and e-learning modes.Some of the beneficiaries must have a minimum of Bachelor’s degree from a university recognised in human health, environmental sciences, agriculture, tourism, among others. “There will be discussions, case studies, problem-based learning, field visits, and integration of learning in multi-disciplinary and interactive workshops, giving opportunities for reflection on the experiences of work-based practice,” Mr Odoi said.The pilot course will be conducted by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and BioSecurity in partnership with Makerere University School of Public Health.Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health, said more people will acquire knowledge on how to handle epidemics. As of yesterday Uganda had registered 244 new Covid-19 cases bringing the total number to 6,712 with 64 deaths and 2778 recoveries.
