WHO chief praises Uganda’s swift Ebola response, urges border reopening with Congo

Uganda’s rapid containment strategy

The World Health Organization’s director‑general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Uganda acted quickly and effectively to contain a recent Ebola flare‑up. He made the remarks during a briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, highlighting the country’s decisive actions. Tedros also called on Uganda to lift its closure of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda’s health authorities moved fast after the first case was confirmed in early May. Teams were dispatched to the affected district, and treatment centres were set up within days. The government rolled out a targeted vaccination campaign for health workers and close contacts, while intensifying surveillance at entry points. The rapid response limited the outbreak to a handful of cases, preventing a wider spread that could have strained the nation’s fragile health system.

The WHO chief praised the coordination between Uganda’s Ministry of Health and international partners. „The speed and capability shown by the Ugandan response is commendable,” Tedros said. Contact‑tracing teams identified and monitored over 200 individuals linked to the index case. Laboratory capacity was boosted, allowing results to be returned within 24 hours. Community engagement efforts educated residents about symptoms and safe burial practices, reducing fear and misinformation. The combined measures kept the transmission chain short, and no new cases have been reported in the past two weeks.

Why does the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo remain closed?

Despite the successful containment, Uganda has kept its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo shut. Officials cite concerns that the neighboring country still faces active Ebola transmission, and that reopening could re‑introduce the virus. The closure also reflects broader security and trade considerations, as cross‑border movement is a known pathway for disease spread. Tedros urged Ugandan leaders to balance health safety with the economic impact of prolonged restrictions, recommending a phased reopening once neighboring regions meet WHO criteria for low risk.

The call to reopen the border comes as regional leaders discuss coordinated surveillance and vaccine sharing. If Uganda lifts the restriction, trade and travel could resume, boosting livelihoods while maintaining vigilance against new cases. Continued collaboration with the DRC will be essential to prevent resurgence and to protect vulnerable populations across East Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What measures did Uganda implement to control the Ebola outbreak? Uganda deployed rapid response teams, established treatment centres, accelerated vaccination of health workers and contacts, and enhanced laboratory testing and community outreach.

Why is the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo still closed? Authorities fear that ongoing Ebola activity in the DRC could spill over into Uganda, and they aim to avoid re‑introducing the virus while assessing regional risk levels.

What are the prospects for reopening the border? The WHO encourages a gradual reopening once the DRC meets safety benchmarks, allowing trade to resume while keeping health safeguards in place.