Kampala — THE Government has controlled major disease outbreaks, the state minister for health, Dr. Richard Nduhuura, has said.

Presenting the status report on major disease outbreaks to Parliament on Wednesday, Nduhuura said diseases like cholera, meningitis, botulism, ebola, marburg, typhoid and measles had been controlled.

However, Nduhuura admitted that Hepatitis E and plagu had not yet been controlled.

"We have strengthened disease surveillance, case search and treatment centres have been established," he said.

Last year, the country suffered outbreaks of cholera, meningitis, botulism, ebola, marburg, typhoid, plague, measles and Hepatitis E.

Asked why the ministry could not stock the meningitis vaccine since Uganda lies in the meningitis belt, Nduhuura said the global supply of the vaccine was limited.

Several MPs expressed concern about the Government's ability to handle preventable diseases which have continued to claim lives.

"Health units should be refurbished and facilitated," said Lulume Bayiga (DP).

Beatrice Anywar (FDC) said most diseases are caused by poor hygiene because people could not access safe water.

Rosemary Najjemba (NRM) urged the Government to emphasise preventive measures to curatives ones.

Prof. Willy Anokbonggo (UPC) called for strengthening of the public health sector.