Dr Ayume Calls for Thermal Cameras at Borders to Strengthen Disease Detection

What the report says

Uganda’s Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, Dr Charles Ayume, has urged investment in thermal imaging cameras at major border entry points to improve screening for infectious diseases. Nile Post reports that he made the appeal after a closed-door meeting with officials from Rwanda’s health sector at the Katuna-Gatuna One Stop Border Post in Kabale District, where the two sides discussed cross-border preparedness for Ebola and other public health threats.

According to the report, Ayume said the technology could help border teams spot travellers with elevated temperatures more quickly and with less direct contact. He argued that this would support surveillance, risk communication and broader community engagement, especially during health emergencies. The Rwandan delegation was led by Prof Claude Mambo Muvunyi of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre.

The meeting followed a three-day joint simulation exercise involving Uganda and Rwanda aimed at improving coordination during public health emergencies. Observers from Somalia, South Sudan and Kenya also attended. Ayume said the proposal was part of wider efforts to strengthen regional readiness, noting that Uganda has built experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks and in supporting neighbouring countries with health personnel and technical expertise.

He also warned that smuggling and unofficial cross-border movement could undermine disease control, particularly in border communities. As reported by Nile Post, he called for public awareness campaigns to extend beyond anti-smuggling messages and include guidance on Ebola prevention, reporting suspected illness and following health advice.