By Gift Briton
Uganda has declared its latest Ebola outbreak over, following the completion of 42 consecutive days without new cases as required by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This was Uganda’s second Ebola outbreak in less than three years. It was confirmed on 30th January 2025 in Kampala. During this outbreak, 14 cases were reported and four deaths occurred. Ten people recovered from the infection and 534 identified as having been in contact with the confirmed and probable cases were closely monitored. The last confirmed patient was discharged on 15th March 2025.
WHO credits Uganda’s success to the Health Ministry’s swift and well-coordinated response efforts. The Ministry rapidly activated national emergency systems, deployed specialized teams to affected areas, enhanced disease monitoring networks, and established dedicated treatment facilities.
Additionally, border health measures were reinforced to prevent cross-border transmission, particularly in Kampala and at points of entry. This comprehensive approach, supported by WHO and various partners, created an effective framework that ultimately contained and eliminated the outbreak.
The international effort was equally impressive. WHO brought in over 130 experts who tracked cases, traced contacts, ran laboratory tests, and managed patient care. Teams processed over 1,500 samples under strict safety protocols with WHO providing equipment, training, and quality control.
The global health agency also facilitated the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams and anthropologists to reduce stigma, build trust and work with affected communities, which was critical in driving behaviour change.
“This outbreak challenged us in new ways. It touched both urban and rural communities across the country and unfolded against the backdrop of significant global funding constraints,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. “The response demonstrated Uganda’s long-standing leadership in tackling public health emergencies. As WHO, we are extremely proud to have supported these efforts every step of the way.”
The Ebola strain that has been contained in Uganda is of the Sudan virus disease (SVD) subtype. This strain is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates. In past outbreaks, SVD killed four in 10 of the people infected.
Despite the absence of licensed countermeasures against this species of Ebola, candidate vaccines are in various phases of clinical trials. Within four days of the government’s declaration of the outbreak, a randomized clinical trial for vaccine safety and efficacy using the ring vaccination approach was launched. In addition, the administration of Remdesivir treatment under the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) protocol was initiated.
“Uganda’s leadership and resilience were crucial in containing this outbreak,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda. “From day one, WHO worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health, deploying expertise, providing essential supplies, and ensuring every suspected case was investigated. The people of Uganda have shown extraordinary resolve.”
The ministry officials, with continued support from partners, will continue with surveillance, survivor care, and preparedness to ensure Uganda remains safe.
