Uganda right this moment declared the top of the Ebola illness outbreak, lower than three months after the virus was confirmed within the capital Kampala.
Throughout this outbreak, 14 instances, 12 confirmed and two not confirmed by means of laboratory exams (possible), have been reported. 4 deaths, two confirmed and two possible, occurred. Ten individuals recovered from the an infection. A complete of 534 individuals have been recognized as having been involved with the confirmed and possible instances and have been intently monitored.
The final confirmed affected person was discharged on 15 March 2025, triggering the 42-day countdown to formally declare the top of the outbreak, in keeping with World Well being Group (WHO) pointers.
This was Uganda’s second Ebola outbreak in lower than three years. It was confirmed on 30 January 2025. The nation’s long-standing expertise in managing outbreaks enabled a quick, coordinated, and efficient response.
With help from WHO and companions, the Ministry of Well being activated nationwide coordination buildings, deployed speedy response groups, strengthened surveillance methods and established therapy models. Border well being measures, notably in Kampala and at factors of entry, have been bolstered to forestall cross-border transmission.
WHO mobilized greater than 130 nationwide and worldwide workers to help the response within the areas of case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, and case administration. Greater than 1500 samples have been examined with WHO offering logistics, coaching and high quality assurance to make sure biosafety.
WHO additionally facilitated the deployment of Emergency Medical Groups and anthropologists to cut back stigma, construct belief and work with affected communities, which was important in driving behaviour change.
“This outbreak challenged us in new methods. It touched each city and rural communities throughout the nation and unfolded towards the backdrop of great international funding constraints,” mentioned Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Performing WHO Regional Director for Africa. The response demonstrated Uganda’s long-standing management in tackling public well being emergencies. As WHO, we’re extraordinarily proud to have supported these efforts each step of the way in which.”
The Ebola pressure that has been contained in Uganda is of the Sudan virus illness (SVD) subtype. This pressure is a extreme, typically deadly sickness affecting people and different primates. In previous outbreaks, SVD killed 4 in 10 of the individuals contaminated.
Regardless of the absence of licensed countermeasures towards this species of Ebola, candidate vaccines are in varied phases of medical trials. Inside 4 days of the federal government’s declaration of the outbreak, a randomized medical trial for vaccine security and efficacy utilizing the ring vaccination method was launched. As well as, the administration of Remdesivir therapy underneath the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) protocol was initiated.
“Uganda’s management and resilience have been essential in containing this outbreak,” mentioned Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Consultant in Uganda. From day one, WHO labored hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Well being, deploying experience, offering important provides, and guaranteeing each suspected case was investigated. The individuals of Uganda have proven extraordinary resolve.”
Though the outbreak is over, the Ministry of Well being, with continued help from WHO and companions, will proceed investing in surveillance, survivor care, and preparedness to make sure Uganda stays secure.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Well being Group – Uganda.
