Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Uganda declared the end of its Ebola outbreak on Saturday, less than three months after the virus was first confirmed in the capital, Kampala.
The outbreak, which was confirmed on January 30, 2025, following the death of a male nurse who tested positive, marked Uganda’s second encounter with the virus in less than three years.
“Good news! The current Ebola Sudan Virus Disease outbreak has officially come to an end,” the Ministry of Health announced in a post on X, noting that the declaration came after 42 days “without a new case since the last confirmed patient was discharged.”
During the outbreak, Uganda reported 14 cases — 12 confirmed and two probable — with four deaths, including two confirmed fatalities. Ten individuals recovered after infection, and health officials closely monitored 534 contacts linked to the confirmed and probable cases.
The last confirmed patient was discharged on March 15, 2025, starting the mandatory 42-day countdown in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Although the Ministry did not provide an updated total caseload in its final post, earlier reports in March cited at least ten cases with two deaths.
Uganda’s experienced public health system, bolstered by support from WHO and partners, responded swiftly by activating national coordination structures, deploying rapid response teams, reinforcing surveillance, and establishing treatment units.
To this end, WHO mobilized over 130 staff to assist with case investigation, laboratory diagnostics, and case management.
“This outbreak challenged us in new ways. It touched both urban and rural communities across the country and unfolded against the backdrop of significant global funding constraints,” said Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu. He praised Uganda’s “long-standing leadership” in handling public health emergencies.
The outbreak involved the Sudan virus disease (SVD) subtype, a deadly form of Ebola with a high fatality rate. Despite no licensed vaccines being available, rapid clinical trials for candidate vaccines began within four days of the outbreak’s declaration. Treatment with Remdesivir was also initiated under emergency protocols.
“Uganda’s leadership and resilience were crucial in containing this outbreak,” said WHO Representative in Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga
Although the outbreak is officially over, the Uganda’s Ministry of Health and WHO emphasized ongoing efforts to invest in surveillance, survivor care, and future preparedness to ensure Uganda remains protected.
