The outbreak, confirmed in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda in May, is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. Health officials say the response is taking place in a challenging environment marked by humanitarian pressures, insecurity and significant cross-border movements.
Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and one probable case to date, with the infections largely linked to transmission from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Encouraging signs
Despite the challenges, a senior WHO official who spent the last three weeks in the country expressed confidence that the outbreak can be contained.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, executive director of the Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted encouraging signs, including strong community cooperation, newly opened laboratories and the recovery and discharge of some patients.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last visited Uganda as part of a regional mission to assess outbreak control efforts and support the response.
After his visit, Tedros said Uganda had mounted a robust response, highlighting the country’s surveillance, testing and case management systems, which have allowed authorities to quickly identify and manage cases.
“Preparation saves lives”
Tedros also praised the quality of care provided at the Ebola Treatment Unit at the Mulago Hospital isolation facility.
The unit was put into operation six hours after the outbreak was declared and is staffed by members of Uganda’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT), a 146-member group established and trained in 2023 with the support of the WHO and the European Union.
According to the WHO, the team was deployed two hours after the outbreak was declared.
“The unity and manpower we see here is due to preparation,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO representative in Uganda, stating that “preparation saves lives.”
Call for continuous vigilance
Tedros emphasized that the risk of further transmission remains and that vigilance must remain high.
He underlined the need for sustained cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 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 participation, particularly 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 guidelines.
Opposition to travel bans
Tedros reiterated the WHO’s position that travel bans are not an effective tool to control Ebola outbreaks and called on countries to reconsider them.
“Travel bans do not help control Ebola outbreaks and may negatively impact the movement of essential supplies, response teams and products needed to support control efforts,” he said.
Learning from experience
The current outbreak is Uganda’s ninth experience with Ebola. The WHO said lessons from previous outbreaks have helped strengthen the country’s surveillance systems, laboratory networks and emergency medical teams.
Leonard Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator for Uganda, said the UN system was working closely with national authorities under the technical leadership of WHO.
“We are driving a unified and coordinated response to strengthen preparedness, protect vulnerable communities and support national efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak,” he said.
