Preventing Ebola Spillover at Uganda-Congo Border

The Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become a heartbreaking humanitarian and public health emergency that demands the attention and compassion of the international community.

Thousands of people have been affected, families have lost loved ones, communities have been disrupted, and health workers are working under extremely difficult conditions to save lives and prevent further transmission. The outbreak has now become the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, demonstrating the enormous scale of the challenge facing communities and response teams.

Uganda has demonstrated that determined public health action, surveillance, community engagement, and strong coordination can make an important difference. Uganda's outbreak was successfully brought under control, with no new cases reported for weeks before the country was declared Ebola-free in July. However, Uganda's progress does not mean that the regional threat has disappeared. The continuing transmission across the border in Congo means that vigilance, preparedness, cross-border cooperation, and support for affected populations must continue.

We deeply appreciate the health workers, community leaders, government authorities, humanitarian organizations, volunteers, and international partners who have continued working despite fear, exhaustion, insecurity, and limited resources.

But this crisis requires much more.

We are appealing to generous donors, organizations, foundations, companies, and friends around the world to increase their support for Ebola response efforts. Resources are urgently needed to strengthen disease surveillance, community awareness, early detection, safe referral and care, infection prevention and control, protective equipment, laboratory capacity, and other essential response activities.

Support is also needed for people and families whose lives have been affected by the outbreak. An epidemic does not only create a health crisis—it can also create hunger, loss of income, disruption of livelihoods, fear, stigma, displacement, and enormous emotional suffering.

We must therefore respond not only to the virus but also to the human beings behind the statistics.

We ask you to stand with communities affected by Ebola. Your generosity can help save lives, strengthen prevention, support health workers, and help affected families begin rebuilding their lives.

Uganda has shown what determined action can achieve. Now the region needs the same determination, solidarity, and generosity to help Congo bring this crisis under control.

Please do not wait until the crisis becomes even larger. Support the response today and help us bring hope to communities facing one of the most difficult health emergencies of our time.