Uganda declared the outbreak over on July 28 after no new cases were recorded for the required monitoring period. WHO said health authorities continued to closely monitor the situation before confirming that there was no longer evidence of active transmission.
The outbreak had prompted an extensive public health response, with authorities tracing contacts, monitoring suspected cases and strengthening surveillance to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.
WHO praised Uganda’s efforts in containing the outbreak, highlighting the role of health workers and authorities in identifying cases and preventing further transmission.
However, concern remains high in neighbouring DR Congo, where Ebola infections continue to increase.
WHO Regional Emergency Director for Africa, Dr Marie Roseline Belizaire, said progress had been made in responding to the outbreak, but stressed that sustained efforts were still needed to monitor and contain new infections in the country.
Despite Uganda declaring its outbreak over, health authorities across the region remain on alert due to the continued spread of Ebola in the DRC and the risk of cross-border transmission.
As of August 23, health authorities in the DRC had reported 5,584 Ebola cases and 2,680 deaths, representing a fatality rate of about 48%.
The situation underscores the continued need for regional cooperation, strong disease surveillance and rapid response measures to prevent Ebola from spreading across borders.
