The current Ebola outbreak, confirmed in both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda in May, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine currently exists. Health officials note that efforts to combat the outbreak are unfolding in a challenging environment marked by humanitarian pressures, insecurity, and significant cross-border movement.
Uganda has reported 19 confirmed and one probable case to date, with infections largely linked to transmission from the DRC.
Encouraging Signs Emerge
Despite the difficulties, a senior WHO official who has visited the country over the past three weeks expressed confidence that the outbreak can be contained.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director of the Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted encouraging signs such as strong community collaboration, newly established laboratories, and the recovery and discharge of some patients.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently visited Uganda as part of a regional tour to assess outbreak control efforts and support the response.
Following his visit, Tedros stated that Uganda has demonstrated a strong response, emphasizing its surveillance, testing, and case management systems that enable officials to rapidly detect and manage cases.
‘Preparedness Saves Lives’
Tedros also commended the quality of care provided at the Ebola Treatment Unit within the Mulago Hospital’s isolation facility.
The unit became operational six hours after the outbreak was declared and is managed by 146 members of the Uganda Emergency Medical Team (EMT), established and trained in 2023 with support from the WHO and the European Union.
According to the WHO, the team was deployed within two hours of the outbreak being declared.
Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Country Representative in Uganda, affirmed this, stating, “The unit and staff we see here exist because of preparedness. Preparedness saves lives.”
Call for Continued Vigilance
Tedros stressed that the risk of further transmission persists and that a high level of vigilance must be maintained.
He underscored the necessity of sustained cooperation between Uganda and the DRC, noting that no single country can control an outbreak alone and that stopping transmission at its source is crucial to mitigate the risk of wider regional spread.
The WHO chief also emphasized the importance of community engagement, particularly in border areas that encompass both countries.
Public health officials warn that outbreaks become more difficult to control when people are reluctant to report symptoms, participate in contact tracing, or follow health directives.
Pushback Against Travel Bans
Tedros reiterated the WHO’s stance that travel bans are not an effective tool for controlling Ebola outbreaks, urging countries to reconsider them.
“Travel bans do not help in controlling Ebola outbreaks and can adversely affect the movement of essential supplies, response teams, and goods that are needed to support control efforts,” Tedros said.
Learning from Experience
The current outbreak marks Uganda’s ninth experience with Ebola. The WHO stated that lessons learned from previous outbreaks have helped strengthen the country’s surveillance systems, laboratory networks, and emergency medical teams.
Uganda’s Resident Coordinator for the UN, Leonard Zulu, stated that the UN system is working closely with national authorities under the technical leadership of the WHO.
“We are advancing a unified and coordinated response to strengthen preparedness, protect vulnerable communities, and support national Ebola outbreak control efforts,” Zulu said.
