The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Uganda’s Ebola outbreak over after the country recorded no new confirmed cases for 42 consecutive days, meeting the international benchmark for ending transmission.
Ugandan authorities had earlier announced the country Ebola‑free on July 28, following 42 days without a locally acquired case.
WHO continued monitoring after the last patient — an imported case from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — was discharged on 16 July.
Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases during the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak declared on 15 May, including 15 linked to infections from the DRC.
Five cases were contracted locally, resulting in two deaths while 18 patients recovered. More than 800 contacts were identified and monitored.
“Uganda has demonstrated that with decisive action, Ebola outbreaks can be brought under control quickly,” WHO director general Tedros Ghebreyesus said.
Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya added that the country’s response was “an important lesson for our continent.”
The declaration comes as the DRC continues to battle its largest recorded Ebola outbreak, with 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths across six provinces.
Transmission remains concentrated in Ituri province where 28 of 36 health zones are affected and WHO has warned that containment efforts are struggling to keep pace.
JN/APA