Mbale, Uganda – The World Well being Group (WHO) is reinforcing its help for Uganda’s ongoing Ebola response efforts, with a high-level delegation visiting Mbale district – one of many affected communities – to evaluate the scenario on the bottom and supply important technical and operational help.

Uganda’s Minister of Well being, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, led a high-level delegation, together with Dr Diana Atwine (Everlasting secretary, Ministry of Well being), Dr Mike Ryan (WHO Deputy Director-Normal), Dr Kasonde Mwinga (WHO nation consultant) and Dr Patrick Okumu Abok (WHO Incident Supervisor for Ebola response, Uganda). Their go to marks a crucial step in strengthening coordination and increasing response efforts.

“That is the eighth Ebola outbreak in Uganda. We now have contained earlier outbreaks in file time and have by no means exported Ebola to any nation. We now have constructed a sturdy system and robust capability to quickly detect, well timed examine, promptly reply and comprise the outbreak.” stated Dr Aceng.  “Uganda is protected and there’s no want to shut borders or impose journey restrictions. We now have been clear proper from the start.”

The go to comes at a time when Uganda’s well being authorities are intensifying efforts to comprise the outbreak and reduce its unfold. WHO has deployed a spread of consultants, together with epidemiologists, clinicians, an infection prevention and management specialists, danger communication consultants, and logisticians. These specialists are reinforcing the work of Uganda’s speedy response groups, who’re already working in affected districts and are centered on bettering case detection, surveillance, remedy, and group engagement.

“I want to thank all our companions for standing by the folks of Uganda, for supporting authorities efforts to comprise this outbreak. In a particular method, I want to thank our well being employees, in addition to our  leaders and the group for his or her bravery, sacrifice and dedication in working collectively in responding to this outbreak. This outbreak began locally and shall be ended by the group.” stated Dr Atwine.

“Our precedence is evident: to convey this outbreak beneath management,” stated Dr Ryan. “Our workforce is right here to make sure that Uganda has all of the sources and technical experience wanted to deal with the rapid challenges and stop additional transmission of the virus. Working intently with nationwide authorities, we’ll intensify our efforts to guard public well being and help the well being system on this essential second.”

In Mbale, the delegation engaged with frontline well being employees, assessed the capability of remedy amenities, and reviewed ongoing interventions to enhance affected person care and an infection management measures. The WHO workforce additionally delivered important medical provides, together with private protecting tools (PPE), diagnostic kits, and remedy provides, to help native well being amenities in managing Ebola circumstances.

“The involvement of communities is central to controlling this outbreak,” emphasised Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “By empowering communities with the correct info and sources, we will forestall additional circumstances and cease the transmission of Ebola.”

Past the rapid medical help, WHO’s response additionally focuses on group engagement and danger communication. Strengthening public consciousness and inspiring early reporting of signs is important to curb the unfold of the virus. WHO is working intently with leaders and group members to make sure that correct info reaches the general public whereas selling preventive measures corresponding to correct hygiene, isolation of suspected circumstances, and protected burial practices.

“Our continued help goals to deal with the present disaster but in addition to assist strengthen Uganda’s long-term capability to answer well being emergencies,” stated Dr Mwinga. “The work being achieved right here is crucial in stopping additional transmission and making certain that groups are absolutely outfitted to handle the scenario successfully.”

Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak on January 30, 2025, after three nationwide reference laboratories confirmed a case in a 32-year-old male nurse.