Africa CDC urges US to lift Ebola-related entry restrictions on Uganda

ETHIOPIA— Africa CDC Director General H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya has called on the United States Government to urgently review and remove Uganda from its temporary Ebola-related entry suspension, citing significant improvements in the country’s epidemiological situation.

In a statement, Kaseya said Uganda had reported no new confirmed Ebola cases since 21 June 2026.

The country has also discharged its last Ebola patient and entered the 42-day countdown required to declare the outbreak over.

Furthermore, all 836 identified contacts have completed their follow-up period, while health authorities continue to maintain active surveillance across 36 high-risk districts and 38 points of entry.

 Laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, risk communication and community-based surveillance also remain operational.

According to Kaseya, these measures demonstrate Uganda’s continued ability to monitor the outbreak and respond rapidly to emerging threats.

Africa CDC calls for risk-based measures

Kaseya acknowledged that continued Ebola transmission in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) requires sustained vigilance across the region.

However, he said Uganda’s demonstrated capacity to detect, report and respond to cases quickly provides a strong basis for a differentiated, country-specific assessment.

“Every public health decision must remain grounded in science, proportionality and partnership,” Kaseya said.

Africa CDC is therefore calling for public health safeguards that reflect Uganda’s current epidemiological situation rather than imposing broad restrictions.

These measures could include risk-based departure and arrival screening, traveller health declarations, exposure-based monitoring and the rapid referral of travellers who develop symptoms.

Kaseya said such measures could provide effective public health protection while allowing countries to respond to risks according to their specific circumstances.

Strong regional cooperation

The progress recorded in Uganda, he said, reflects decisive national leadership, as well as the courage and commitment of healthcare workers and communities.

 It also highlights the importance of cooperation between Uganda, the DRC, Africa CDC and international partners.

Kaseya stressed that countries that detect outbreaks early, report cases transparently and respond decisively should receive recognition and support.

In his view, evidence-based public health decisions can strengthen trust, international cooperation and timely reporting during future health emergencies.

Africa CDC offers technical support

Africa CDC has also offered to share Uganda’s latest surveillance data with the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The continental health agency is also prepared to facilitate direct technical consultations and support any additional verification that US authorities may require as they review the entry suspension.

Kaseya said Uganda’s progress should be recognised while maintaining vigilance against the potential spread of Ebola.

He reiterated that public health decisions should remain guided by scientific evidence, proportionality and strong international partnerships.