WHO Chief Commends Uganda's Ebola Response

[Archival Sense]

The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has commended Uganda's response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, describing the government's actions as prompt, capable and effective.

In a post on his X handle, Dr. Tedros said the country's surveillance and response systems had played a crucial role in detecting and managing cases linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"I am in Uganda, where the government has mounted a prompt and capable response to the outbreak of Ebola," he said.

He noted that border screening measures had helped identify infected individuals entering Uganda from the DRC, allowing health authorities to quickly isolate and manage cases.

He also acknowledged that Uganda has so far recorded 19 confirmed Ebola cases, with 14 involving people who entered from the DRC and five involving Ugandan nationals. Two Congolese nationals have died from the disease.

"Sadly, two people from DRC have died, and our thoughts are with their families," Dr. Tedros said.

The WHO chief reaffirmed the organization's support for Uganda's response efforts, alongside the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other regional partners.

"The World Health Organization is supporting Uganda, alongside Africa CDC and partners across the region, as the country leads this response," he said.

Dr. Tedros expressed optimism that continued cooperation between Uganda and its partners would help bring the outbreak under control.

"With continued collaboration, I am confident this outbreak can be brought under control," he said.

The remarks come as Ugandan health authorities continue to monitor contacts, strengthen border surveillance and provide treatment to affected patients while seeking to prevent further transmission.

 

[Eronda]

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised Uganda's “prompt and capable” response to an ongoing Ebola outbreak, expressing confidence that the situation can be brought under control through continued regional collaboration.

Dr Tedros arrived in Uganda on Monday, June 8, 2026, fresh from a high-stakes assessment tour in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC is currently battling a larger outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

In a statement on X, Dr Tedros noted that rigorous screening protocols established at Uganda's borders have been instrumental in detecting and managing cases flowing from the DRC epicenter.
"The country’s surveillance, testing, and case management systems are doing steady work," Dr Tedros posted, adding that WHO and the Africa CDC are actively supporting the government-led response.

According to a weekend situation report from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the country has registered a cumulative total of 19 confirmed Ebola cases as of June 6, 2026. Crucially, health officials reported zero new cases in their latest specific update, signalling that containment measures are yielding positive results.

Of the 19 recorded cases, 14 were imported from the DRC, while five are Ugandan nationals. The ministry reported that 13 patients are currently receiving medical care in active admissions, and four individuals have been successfully discharged. Two deaths have been registered so far, both falling under the category of imported cases.

Despite the complex cross-border dynamics, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has reassured the public that the outbreak remains tightly managed and the country is safe. Dr Tedros echoed this optimism, extending condolences to the families of the deceased while emphasizing that the key to ending the regional threat relies on swift leadership, partnership, and cross-border trust.
Daily Monitor.