Help Build Development Alert's Permanent Home

Dear Donor,

Thanks to your generous support, Development Alert has continued working with communities to strengthen awareness around early reporting and timely referral of people who may develop symptoms consistent with Ebola.

The continuing outbreak in the DRC shows how quickly transmission can expand when cases are not identified and followed promptly. By August 2026, the DRC outbreak had surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases and 2,378 deaths, while the outbreak had spread to six provinces. Uganda's experience demonstrates the value of rapid response, surveillance, contact follow-up, and community cooperation.

Development Alert's grassroots role focuses on helping communities understand what to do when someone becomes seriously ill or is suspected of having Ebola. We encourage residents to seek appropriate medical guidance quickly rather than relying on home remedies, rumors, or delayed treatment.

Community awareness also helps reduce stigma. People may hesitate to report illness if they fear discrimination or isolation. By promoting accurate information and compassionate community support, we can encourage people to cooperate with health workers and response teams.

Our work complements national and international response efforts by strengthening the connection between communities and formal health systems.

Thank you for making this work possible. Your generosity is helping communities become more alert and responsive, strengthening early detection and supporting efforts to prevent further transmission across Uganda and neighboring communities.

Dear Donor,

Thanks to your generous support, Development Alert has continued strengthening grassroots preparedness and community engagement as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo respond to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.

The latest regional situation demonstrates why preparedness must continue. As of August 16, the DRC had recorded 4,945 confirmed Ebola cases and 2,325 deaths. Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with the last confirmed Ugandan case reported on June 21 and the last Ebola patient discharged on July 16.

Although Uganda has made important progress, the continued transmission in neighboring DRC means communities cannot afford to become complacent. WHO has assessed the risk as very high in the DRC and high in Uganda and countries sharing land borders with areas where Bundibugyo virus has been detected.

Development Alert is helping communities understand the importance of continued vigilance, hygiene, early reporting, safe referral, and cooperation with health authorities. Our grassroots engagement also helps ensure that vulnerable groups—including children, elderly people, traders, transport workers, and families living near high-movement routes—receive relevant prevention information.

Your generosity enables this work to continue even when public attention shifts elsewhere. Preparedness is most effective before the next suspected case appears.

Thank you for your continued compassion and support. Your kindness is helping communities stay informed and vigilant, strengthening local resilience and contributing to efforts to protect Uganda and neighboring communities from further Ebola transmission.