Uganda declares end to recent Ebola outbreak

UGANDA – The Ugandan government has officially declared the end of the latest Ebola outbreak, less than three months after the virus was first confirmed in the capital city, Kampala.

This announcement comes after the country completed a 42-day period with no new cases, following the discharge of the last confirmed patient on March 15, 2025, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

During this outbreak, Uganda reported a total of 14 cases-12 confirmed through laboratory testing and two classified as probable.

Unfortunately, four people died, including two confirmed and two probable cases, while ten others recovered from the infection.

Health authorities identified and closely monitored 534 individuals who had been in contact with confirmed and probable cases, ensuring that any new infections could be detected and managed swiftly.

The outbreak, which was Uganda’s second in less than three years, began on January 30, 2025, after a case was confirmed in Kampala.

Uganda’s extensive experience in managing Ebola outbreaks enabled the country to mount a rapid and coordinated response.

With support from WHO and various partners, the Ministry of Health quickly activated national coordination structures, deployed rapid response teams, and strengthened surveillance systems.

Treatment units were established, and border health measures were reinforced, particularly in Kampala and at entry points, to prevent the spread of the virus to neighboring countries.

WHO played a critical role by mobilizing over 130 national and international experts to assist with case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, and patient care.

More than 1,500 samples were tested, with WHO providing logistical support, training, and quality assurance to ensure biosafety.

Additionally, WHO facilitated the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams and anthropologists, whose involvement helped reduce stigma, build community trust, and encourage behaviors that limited the spread of the disease.

Financially, the response was bolstered by the release of an additional $2 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, supplementing an earlier allocation of US$1 million.

These funds supported critical activities such as coordination, surveillance, laboratory support, infection prevention, logistics, risk communication, and community engagement.

The outbreak was caused by the Sudan virus disease (SVD) subtype of Ebola, which is known for its severity and high fatality rate-historically killing about 40% of those infected.

Although there are currently no licensed vaccines for this strain, clinical trials for candidate vaccines began within four days of the outbreak declaration, using a ring vaccination approach.

 The government also initiated the use of Remdesivir treatment under the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) protocol.

Reflecting on the response, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted that the outbreak presented unique challenges as it affected both urban and rural communities and occurred amid global funding constraints.

Nevertheless, Uganda’s leadership and resilience, combined with WHO’s technical and logistical support, were crucial in containing the outbreak.

Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda, emphasized the extraordinary resolve of the Ugandan people and the strong partnership between WHO and the Ministry of Health.

Although the outbreak is now officially over, the Ministry of Health, with ongoing support from WHO and partners, will continue to invest in surveillance, survivor care, and preparedness to ensure Uganda remains protected against future threats.

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