Health 27 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
WHO Commends Uganda for Successfully Containing Ebola Outbreak
The World Health Organization has officially recognized Uganda for its effective response in containing a recent Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugugyo virus. The certificate acknowledges the nation's success in interrupting transmission and achieving 42 consecutive days without new cases. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-receives-who-recognition-for-ebola-response-5573884
Uganda has earned international praise from the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region for its swift and successful containment of the 2026 Ebola outbreak. The recognition, presented in the form of a certificate, was given to the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi.
The certificate specifically commends Uganda for “successfully interrupting transmission of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus and completing 42 consecutive days without a reported new confirmed case.” This achievement is attributed to strong national leadership, the dedication of frontline healthcare workers, effective community engagement, and crucial support from development partners.
The nation officially declared the end of the outbreak on July 28, following the discharge of the last Ebola patient on June 16. During the outbreak, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, with 18 individuals recovering and two succumbing to the virus. Notably, 15 of these cases were imported from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, while five Ugandan nationals contracted the virus while caring for imported patients.
The case fatality rate during this outbreak stood at 10 percent, a significant reduction compared to the 30-50 percent rates observed in previous Bundibugyo Ebola outbreaks in Uganda. Following the recognition, both Dr. Janabi and Dr. Baryomunsi urged countries that had imposed travel restrictions on Uganda during the outbreak to reconsider their decisions, stating they were not scientifically based.
Uganda continues to maintain heightened surveillance at its border points and encourages communities to remain vigilant, particularly given the ongoing Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lessons learned from this recent outbreak are being integrated into national strategies to bolster preparedness for future public health emergencies.