US Donates Experimental Ebola Treatment to Uganda Amid Regional Outbreak

The U.S. government has donated an experimental Ebola antibody treatment, known as MBP134, to Uganda’s Ministry of Health. This crucial intervention arrives as a precautionary measure, given the ongoing and significant Ebola outbreak of the Bundibugyo species in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Dr. Charles Ayume, Uganda’s State Minister for Primary Health Care, accepted the donation, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding Ugandan families. While Uganda currently reports no active Ebola cases, the proximity and severity of the DRC outbreak, which has surpassed 4,500 cases and 2,000 deaths, present a tangible threat.

According to U.S. officials, the donation underscores a global health security commitment. “A safer Uganda means a safer world. By helping Uganda act within hours rather than days, the United States is also protecting Americans. An outbreak anywhere is a threat everywhere,” stated U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley.

MBP134, developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical in collaboration with BARDA, is designed to neutralize the Ebola virus rapidly, potentially offering a faster defense than the body’s natural immune response. Pre-clinical studies indicate its efficacy against multiple Ebola species, including the one currently circulating in the DRC. This treatment is being provided for compassionate use, allowing for its administration to critically ill patients while research continues.

This contribution is part of a larger U.S. initiative to enhance Ebola preparedness across the region, with over $619 million allocated to support surveillance, outbreak control, and response activities in affected countries.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)