Daijiworld Media Network - Uganda

Mbale, Apr 27: Uganda has officially declared the end of the Ebola Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak, following 42 days without any new confirmed cases, marking a significant milestone just three months after the virus was first detected in Kampala.

The announcement was made on Saturday by Uganda’s Minister of Health, Ruth Aceng, at Busamagga Primary School Playground in Mbale, a region that had been affected by the outbreak. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a country is considered Ebola-free after completing two full incubation cycles of 21 days, equating to 42 days, without reporting new cases.

"After completing two full incubation periods — 42 days — without any new cases, I officially declare the current Sudan Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda to be over. Uganda is now free from active Ebola transmission," said Aceng.

The SVD outbreak was first declared on January 30, following the death of a 32-year-old nurse at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala. Throughout the outbreak, Uganda recorded 14 cases, including 12 confirmed and two probable, resulting in four deaths. Ten people recovered, and 534 individuals who had been in contact with confirmed or probable cases were monitored.

The WHO praised Uganda for its swift and effective response, highlighting the country’s experience in managing public health emergencies. Chikwe Ihekweazu, acting WHO regional director for Africa, acknowledged the challenges posed by the outbreak, which affected both urban and rural areas across the country. Despite global funding constraints, Uganda’s leadership ensured a rapid, coordinated response.

The outbreak was caused by the Sudan subtype of the Ebola virus, one of the six known species of the virus. While there are no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain, early supportive care significantly reduces mortality, as indicated by the WHO.

In response to the outbreak, Uganda launched the first-ever randomized clinical trial for vaccine safety and efficacy, using the ring vaccination approach. The WHO donated 2,160 doses of an Ebola trial vaccine to help assess its effectiveness against SVD.

Kasonde Mwinga, WHO representative in Uganda, praised the resilience and leadership shown by Uganda in containing the outbreak. "The WHO worked closely with the Ministry of Health, providing expertise and supplies to investigate every suspected case. The people of Uganda have demonstrated extraordinary resolve," she said.

While Uganda has declared the outbreak over, the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation, with ongoing support from WHO and global partners, to ensure preparedness and maintain surveillance for any potential future threats.