WHO Declares Uganda Ebola Outbreak Over

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola outbreak over in Uganda but noted that it continues to spread rapidly in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The all-clear for Uganda follows a declaration on July 28 from the Ugandan government, which reported 20 cases and two deaths.

According to HuffPost, Dr Marie Roseline Belizaire, director of emergency preparedness for the WHO African region, stated that cases in DRC continued to rise despite some progress. The outbreak there is the second-deadliest in history, with over 6,000 confirmed cases and nearly 3,000 deaths reported by Congolese authorities as of Tuesday.

Belizaire mentioned improvements in contact tracing and testing but highlighted an immediate $30 million funding gap for logistical operations to deliver medical and personal protective equipment. She warned that without this investment, the momentum built could stall.

The outbreak in DRC is accelerating, with confirmed cases reaching 6,041 as of August 31, according to Al Jazeera. Ituri province remains the epicenter, with over 4,802 people infected. Uganda and Congo are collaborating on cross-border health security measures.

The outbreak is unfolding in challenging conditions, including rebel threats and intense population movements. Medical teams face work stoppages, community anger, bad roads, and misinformation. Experts believe the virus was spreading as early as February, months before authorities declared the outbreak on May 15.

Community engagement has been highlighted as crucial to stopping the spread of Ebola in DRC. Local organizations, health workers, and leaders have emphasized involving communities directly in response efforts, according to The Guardian. Their knowledge can help identify illness early, trace contacts, challenge dangerous rumors, and support families through treatment and safe burials.

Healthcare workers are operating under extreme pressure in insecure areas. As of August 18, 163 health workers have been infected and 47 have died in DRC. In Uganda, four health worker infections were recorded. The response has made progress with expanded surveillance, deployed laboratories, supported treatment centers, reinforced infection prevention, and delivered essential supplies.

The next phase of the response must focus on village-centered strategies to reach transmission hotspots quickly. This involves identifying infection early, isolating patients safely, following contacts, and preventing further spread. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) will continue working with DRC and neighboring countries to support these efforts.

Children across the Democratic Republic of Congo are returning to school amid concerns about the Ebola outbreak. In Bunia, Ituri’s provincial capital, parents question whether schools should reopen while the outbreak continues to spread. The government is using different arrangements based on the level of Ebola risk in various areas.

In high-risk areas, pupils will study from home using printed materials and radio programs. Workbooks and learning sheets covering essential parts of the curriculum will be distributed, while local and community radio stations will broadcast accompanying programs. Families without radios may also be provided with them.

The government has divided areas into three categories: green (no reported Ebola transmission), orange (affected but can continue with additional precautions), and red (highest risk). Education officials have been training staff in Ituri to identify risky behavior, promote preventive measures, and educate pupils about Ebola.