WHO chief commends Uganda’s response to Ebola outbreak

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has praised Uganda’s swift and effective response to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola, expressing confidence that the disease can be brought under control through continued collaboration among regional and international partners.

Speaking during his visit to Uganda, Dr. Tedros said the government had mounted a prompt and capable response to the outbreak, particularly through strengthened border screening measures and robust surveillance systems.

“I am in Uganda, where the government has mounted a prompt and capable response to the outbreak of Ebola,” Dr. Tedros said.

According to the WHO chief, screening at Uganda’s border points played a crucial role in detecting cases arriving from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), helping authorities quickly identify and manage infected individuals.

He noted that Uganda’s surveillance, testing and case management systems were functioning effectively in containing the outbreak.

Of the 19 confirmed Ebola cases recorded so far, 14 involved individuals who entered Uganda from the DRC, while five cases were among Ugandan nationals.

Dr. Tedros also expressed condolences to the families of two Congolese nationals who succumbed to the disease.

“Sadly, two people from DRC have died, and our thoughts are with their families,” he said.

The WHO Director-General reaffirmed the organization’s support to Uganda’s response efforts, noting that WHO is working closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other partners across the region.

“WHO is supporting Uganda, alongside Africa CDC and partners across the region, as the country leads this response,” he added.

Health experts have consistently emphasized the importance of rapid detection, isolation of cases, contact tracing and community engagement in controlling Ebola outbreaks.

Dr. Tedros expressed optimism that with continued cooperation between Uganda, regional health institutions and international partners, the outbreak can be successfully contained.

“With continued collaboration, I am confident this outbreak can be brought under control,” he said.

Uganda has previously demonstrated strong capacity in responding to Ebola outbreaks, with public health authorities drawing on lessons learned from past epidemics to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms.

The ongoing response involves coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Health, WHO, Africa CDC and other partners to prevent further transmission and protect communities from the disease.