Help Development Alert Get Permanent Office

Dear Donor,

Community health workers and volunteers have played an essential role throughout the Ebola response in Uganda. Even after Uganda was declared Ebola-free, these frontline community networks remain critical because the outbreak continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DRC has now reported 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, according to government data reported on August 11. The outbreak is placing extraordinary pressure on health systems while insecurity, population movement, and limited access to healthcare complicate response operations.

Development Alert continues to recognize community health workers as a vital bridge between households and formal health systems. They are trusted members of their communities and can help explain public health guidance, address misinformation, encourage early reporting, and connect vulnerable families with appropriate services.

Our preparedness activities emphasize practical knowledge. Volunteers are encouraged to maintain communication with health facilities and local leaders, monitor community concerns, and ensure that accurate information reaches households quickly.

We are also encouraging volunteers to promote compassion. Ebola outbreaks can create fear and stigma, causing families to hide illness or avoid healthcare facilities. Community leaders and volunteers can help build an environment where people feel safe reporting concerns and seeking assistance.

Uganda's successful response demonstrated the value of strong grassroots networks. The country's 20 confirmed cases were successfully contained, providing an important lesson for future emergencies.

Your generosity helped strengthen these community systems during Uganda's outbreak. Today, those investments continue to protect communities by preserving local preparedness and ensuring that trained community members remain ready to act when needed.