By Zachery Onyango | Project Leader
Dear donor,
Uganda's successful conclusion of the 2026 Ebola outbreak marks the beginning of a new phase of work: transforming emergency response capacity into lasting community resilience. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, with 18 recoveries and two deaths. Fifteen cases were imported from the DRC, highlighting the importance of cross-border preparedness even after Uganda successfully stopped transmission.
The continuing emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo makes this transition particularly important. Recent reports indicate that the DRC outbreak has exceeded 5,500 confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Children, displaced families, healthcare workers, and communities with limited access to health services remain particularly vulnerable.
Development Alert is therefore maintaining the community structures strengthened during the outbreak. Volunteers continue sharing health information, community leaders remain connected to local health facilities, and grassroots networks are being maintained so that unusual health events can be reported quickly.
Our interventions also extend to schools and other community institutions. Teachers and youth leaders can help ensure that accurate information reaches children and households. Transport workers and traders remain important partners because they connect communities and can help circulate reliable public health messages.
We continue promoting hygiene practices and encouraging communities to avoid stigma. During an outbreak, fear and misinformation can become major barriers to early reporting and treatment. Building trust is therefore just as important as providing physical resources.
The field motorcycle remains available for rapid community mobilization, follow-up, awareness activities, contact-tracing readiness, and delivery of essential supplies.
Uganda's Ebola-free declaration is a victory for communities, health workers, volunteers, and partners. Development Alert is committed to preserving that victory while strengthening preparedness along the border and standing in solidarity with communities still battling Ebola in the DRC.
With continued donor support, today's emergency response investments can become tomorrow's permanent community protection systems.
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