Kampala – Uganda right this moment declared the tip 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 way of laboratory assessments (possible), had been reported. 4 deaths, two confirmed and two possible, occurred. Ten individuals recovered from the an infection. A complete of 534 individuals had been recognized as having been involved with the confirmed and possible instances and had been intently monitored.
The final confirmed affected person was discharged on 14 March 2025, triggering the 42-day countdown to formally declare the tip 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 assist from WHO and companions, the Ministry of Well being activated nationwide coordination constructions, deployed fast response groups, strengthened surveillance programs and established therapy models. Border well being measures, notably in Kampala and at factors of entry, had been strengthened to stop cross-border transmission.
WHO mobilized greater than 130 nationwide and worldwide employees to assist the response within the areas of case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, and case administration. Greater than 1500 samples had 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 scale 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 serious international funding constraints,” mentioned Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Appearing 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 scientific trials. Inside 4 days of the federal government’s declaration of the outbreak, a randomized scientific 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 had 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 making certain 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 assist from WHO and companions, will proceed investing in surveillance, survivor care, and preparedness to make sure Uganda stays secure.