The World Health Organization (World Health Organization) has praised Uganda for its swift and effective response in controlling an Ebola outbreak that spread from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking in Kampala, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Uganda’s health authorities for taking rapid action that helped limit the spread of the disease despite the outbreak affecting hundreds of people in parts of the DRC.
Uganda has so far reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, a figure WHO says reflects strong surveillance, quick response mechanisms, and coordinated public health measures.
The health agency noted that Uganda’s success was largely due to early interventions by the government, including the suspension of major public events such as the Martyrs Day celebrations, which were expected to attract thousands of people. These measures helped reduce large gatherings and slowed potential transmission of the virus.
However, WHO also advised Uganda to reconsider its decision to close its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization said that instead of border closures, strengthened screening, contact tracing, and coordinated cross-border health surveillance would be more effective in managing the outbreak while minimizing disruption to movement and trade.
Health experts continue to monitor the situation closely, urging continued vigilance as efforts to fully eliminate the outbreak intensify across the region.
