Health 8 June 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
WHO calls Uganda travel bans 'unnecessary' amid Ebola outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to lift travel restrictions imposed on Uganda following its Ebola outbreak, labeling them as counterproductive and economically harmful. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized Uganda's transparent reporting and robust public health measures in managing the outbreak. Source: https://observer.ug/news/ebola-travel-restrictions-on-uganda-wrong-unnecessary-who
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong statement against the travel restrictions implemented by several nations concerning Uganda, following the nation’s confirmation of an Ebola outbreak. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, after visiting Uganda’s main Ebola isolation facility, described these measures as “unnecessary and counterproductive.”
Dr. Ghebreyesus urged countries to reconsider their decisions, highlighting that Uganda has consistently reported cases transparently and implemented appropriate public health responses. He argued that such restrictions inflict significant economic damage without effectively curbing disease spread.
Following Uganda’s confirmation of the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in May, countries including the United States, Taiwan, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, and the Bahamas introduced various travel advisories and entry limitations. These measures impacted numerous individuals, including hundreds of Ugandan Rotarians planning to attend an international convention in Taiwan.
Dr. Ghebreyesus pointed to Uganda’s extensive experience in managing infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Marburg, as evidence that travel bans are not an effective public health strategy. Uganda has demonstrated decades of expertise in outbreak response.
Data from Uganda’s Ministry of Health indicates 19 laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases, with five recoveries and no additional deaths beyond the index case since the outbreak’s confirmation. Importantly, 14 cases were either imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or involved direct contacts with infected individuals. “So far, we have not registered a single community case originating from within Uganda,” stated Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, director of public health.
In response to concerns about misrepresentation, the WHO has revised its reporting to separate Uganda’s and the DRC’s Ebola statistics, acknowledging the distinct epidemiological situations. Uganda itself has implemented measures to prevent cross-border transmission, such as suspending direct flights to and from the DRC and halting border crossings for an initial 30-day period.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)