WHO Backs Uganda's Early Ebola Outbreak Declaration

The World Health Organization (WHO) has affirmed Uganda’s early declaration of an end to its Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, asserting that the country’s success in halting transmission should be the primary measure of its response.

Uganda ended its quarantine period and declared the outbreak over on July 28, 2026, less than the standard 42 days after the last confirmed case was discharged on July 16. This decision prompted some discussion regarding the deviation from conventional protocols.

However, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, stated that Uganda’s performance should be evaluated based on its results. “Uganda’s actions should be judged by the effectiveness of its response rather than strict adherence to procedural timelines,” Dr. Janabi commented.

During a visit with a delegation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr. Janabi highlighted Uganda’s ongoing regional support efforts, particularly in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Uganda registered 20 confirmed cases, many of which were imported from the DRC, and maintained a significantly lower case fatality rate compared to its neighbor.

Both WHO and Africa CDC lauded Uganda’s outbreak management as exemplary. Despite international praise, some domestic discussions had questioned the economic impact of declaring an outbreak. Dr. Janabi clarified that WHO had consistently communicated the nature of Uganda’s imported cases, refuting any claims of misrepresentation.

Furthermore, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya criticized the United States for maintaining travel restrictions on Uganda, deeming them unnecessary and inconsistent, especially when compared to other countries’ responses to imported cases.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/who-defends-uganda-s-early-end-to-ebola-outbreak-5547202