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Uganda Declares Ebola Outbreak Over After 42-Day Countdown
KAMPALA, Uganda — 27 August 2026
Uganda has officially declared its latest Ebola outbreak over after completing the required 42-day period without a new confirmed case, marking a major milestone for the country's health system and regional outbreak preparedness.
The World Health Organization confirmed the declaration on 27 August following the completion of the countdown required under international outbreak-control protocols. The announcement follows months of surveillance, case management, contact tracing, infection prevention and community engagement.
The end of the outbreak is particularly significant for East Africa because Uganda's geographical position and extensive cross-border movement create potential pathways for infectious diseases to spread into neighbouring countries.
The response also demonstrated the importance of regional preparedness. Uganda had strengthened surveillance and response capacity while working with WHO and neighbouring countries to reduce the possibility of cross-border transmission.
The achievement does not mean the risk has disappeared. Ebola outbreaks can recur, and maintaining surveillance after an outbreak is formally declared over remains essential. WHO's regional reporting also shows that preparedness investments—including laboratory capacity, trained response teams and emergency coordination—remain central to managing future outbreaks.
Uganda's experience provides a wider development lesson. Strong outbreak response depends not only on emergency funding but on health systems capable of detecting cases quickly, treating patients safely and communicating effectively with communities.
The immediate crisis may be over, but sustaining the infrastructure developed during the response will be critical.
For East Africa, the declaration offers both relief and a reminder: health security is a continuing investment, not a temporary emergency programme.
Source: WHO — Uganda ends Ebola outbreak
Urge Inside Health| East Africa. Urge- DevWire
Courtesy Photo/ WHO
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