After a long and challenging battle, Uganda has officially declared the end of the Ebola disease outbreak that was confirmed on 30 January 2025 by Uganda’s Ministry of Health. The outbreak, which infected 14 people and caused four deaths, including two probable cases, has now been successfully contained.
Uganda has a history of facing disease outbreaks, such as Ebola, Marburg, and yellow fever, and has developed a resilient health system capable of detecting and responding to outbreaks rapidly. With active support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, Uganda once again demonstrated its capacity to effectively handle such challenges.
The latest Ebola outbreak occurred in the bustling city of Kampala, a highly mobile area where the announcement of the outbreak could have easily sparked widespread panic. However, within 72 hours of confirmation, the Ministry of Health, supported by WHO and other health partners, activated response mechanisms. Rapid response teams were deployed to identify contacts, collect samples, set up treatment units, and educate the community on Ebola prevention.
Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO’s Deputy Director General and Executive Director for Emergencies, was on the ground in Uganda within 24 hours to provide strategic and operational support to the response efforts. The urban setting of the outbreak posed significant challenges, but with swift action and collaboration, the spread of the disease was effectively halted.
WHO mobilized 129 national and international staff to support the response, bringing technical expertise to every critical stage of the operation. The efforts paid off, as the last confirmed patient was discharged on 14 March 2025, and 534 contacts were successfully identified and monitored daily.
The groundwork laid by WHO through regional hubs and technical leadership in preparedness and response planning in Uganda was instrumental in the rapid containment of the outbreak. The deployment of Rapid Response Teams to hotspot districts, border health monitoring, and robust laboratory response all contributed to the successful management of the situation.
Despite the absence of a licensed vaccine for the Sudan virus, clinical trials for candidate vaccines were initiated, along with the administration of Remdesivir treatment under the MEURI protocol. Ecological studies to identify the source of infection are ongoing to anticipate and mitigate future risks.
WHO played a crucial role in coordinating resources, engaging partners, and ensuring adequate financial support for the response. With funding from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and contributions from various countries and organizations, the response was able to maintain momentum and effectiveness.
As the situation in Uganda stabilizes, the lessons learned from this outbreak emphasize the importance of early preparedness, rapid response, and continued support from WHO for global health security. The successful containment of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda serves as a testament to the country’s resilience and the effectiveness of international collaboration in fighting infectious diseases.
