The outbreak, confirmed in both the DRC and Uganda in May, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. Health officials say the response is taking place in a challenging environment characterized by humanitarian pressure, insecurity and significant cross-border movement.
Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and one probable case to date, with infections mainly linked to transmission from the DRC.
Encouraging signs
Despite the challenges, a senior WHO official who spent the past three weeks in the country expressed confidence that the outbreak can be contained.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the Health Emergency Programme, pointed to encouraging signs, including strong community collaboration, newly opened laboratories and the recovery and discharge of some patients.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently visited Uganda as part of a regional mission to assess outbreak control efforts and support the response.
After his visit, Tedros said Uganda had received a robust response, highlighting the country’s surveillance, testing and case management systems, which have enabled authorities to identify and deal with cases quickly.
‘Preparedness saves lives’
Tedros also praised the quality of care provided at the Ebola treatment unit at Mulago Hospital’s isolation facility.
The unit was deployed within six hours of the outbreak being declared and is staffed by members of Uganda’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT), a 146-member group established and trained in 2023 with support from the WHO and the EU.
According to the WHO, the team was deployed within two hours of the outbreak.
“The unit and staff that we see here is due to preparedness,” said Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO representative in Uganda, affirmed that “preparedness saves lives”.
Urges continued vigilance
Tedros emphasized that the risk of further infection remains and that vigilance must remain high.
He stressed the need for continued cooperation between Uganda and the DRC, noting that no country can control the outbreak alone and that stopping transmission at its source is essential to reduce the risk of wider regional spread.
The WHO chief also highlighted the importance of community engagement, especially in border areas where communities span both countries.
Public health officials warn that outbreaks become more difficult to contain when people are reluctant to report symptoms, participate in contact tracing or follow health guidance.
Resistance to travel bans
Tedros reiterated the WHO’s position that travel bans are not an effective tool to control Ebola outbreaks and urged countries to reconsider them.
“Travel bans are not helpful in controlling Ebola outbreaks and could adversely affect the movement of essential supplies, response teams and raw materials needed to support control efforts,” he said.
To learn from experience
The current outbreak is Uganda’s ninth experience with Ebola. The WHO said lessons learned from previous outbreaks have helped strengthen the country’s surveillance systems, laboratory networks and emergency medical teams.
Leonard Zulu, the UN Resident Coordinator for Uganda, said the UN system was working closely with national authorities under WHO’s technical leadership.
“We are promoting a unified and coordinated response to strengthen preparedness, protect vulnerable communities and support national efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak,” he said.
