The recent confirmation of an Ebola outbreak in Kampala has prompted urgent calls for international support.
Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for donor intervention to prevent the virus from spreading beyond Uganda’s borders.
A Regional Threat with Global Implications
Speaking after confirming the outbreak following the death of a health worker at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr. Atwine highlighted the global stakes.
“This outbreak has the potential to spiral beyond our borders,” she warned, urging swift international cooperation.
The situation is further complicated by recent U.S. policy changes. Just as Uganda faces its eighth Ebola outbreak, the U.S. has announced a pause in funding for several global health programs.
While Dr. Atwine refrained from directly commenting on these shifts, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Uganda Country Representative, assured that the organization is ready to support Uganda’s response efforts.
Current Response Efforts of Vaccination and Isolation
By Thursday evening, health authorities had identified 45 contacts linked to the confirmed case. These individuals are being isolated in Kampala and Mbale City, areas where the index patient had traveled.
Uganda is prepared to administer the Ebola Sudan vaccine, with 550 doses currently in stock.
Since the vaccine requires two doses per individual, it will cover the initial group of contacts. Vaccination aims to contain the outbreak before it gains momentum.
Understanding the Symptoms and Transmission
While there is no cure for Ebola, supportive treatment can significantly improve survival rates. Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Severe headaches
- Rash and runny nose
- Vomiting and bleeding
In severe cases, Ebola can lead to multi-organ failure. Importantly, experts confirm that asymptomatic individuals do not spread the virus, making early detection and isolation critical.
Lessons from the Past
Uganda’s most recent Ebola outbreak occurred in September 2022 in Mubende District, eventually spreading to neighboring regions.
The outbreak resulted in 164 cases, including 55 deaths and 87 recoveries. By January 2023, the outbreak was declared over, thanks to effective public health interventions.
An Urgent Need for Global Solidarity
Uganda’s track record shows resilience, but controlling Ebola requires swift, well-funded responses.
As Dr. Atwine stressed, donor support is not just a national need but a global imperative to prevent the virus from becoming an international crisis.
Learn about global Ebola response efforts from the The U.S. Response to Ebola Outbreaks in Uganda.
