Disaster Response Uganda Project #76349

Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

by Development Alert

Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Project Report | Sep 9, 2026
Strengthening Support for Frontline Community

By Zachery Onyango | Project Leader

Dear Donor,

Frontline responders are essential to protecting communities during an Ebola emergency. Health workers, Village Health Teams, community volunteers and local leaders often serve as the first bridge between households and formal health systems.

Uganda’s successful Ebola response demonstrated the importance of these frontline networks. Uganda completed its 42-day countdown without new confirmed transmission and has now ended its outbreak.

The situation in the DRC remains far more challenging. By 3 September, the DRC had recorded 6,342 confirmed cases and 3,072 deaths. WHO has warned that the epidemic is moving exceptionally quickly, while insecurity, difficult access and gaps in surveillance continue complicating response operations.

Development Alert continues strengthening community-level preparedness by maintaining communication with local volunteers and community leaders. Our activities help ensure that accurate information reaches households and that emerging health concerns can be communicated promptly.

We also recognize that responders need practical support. Transportation is one of the challenges faced by teams working across remote communities. The field motorcycle purchased through donor support provides mobility for community visits, follow-up, awareness activities and delivery of essential materials.

Community responders also help address stigma and misinformation. During an outbreak, fear can discourage people from reporting illness or seeking care. Trusted local voices can help create an environment where families feel safe asking questions and seeking assistance.

Development Alert remains committed to ensuring that the preparedness systems developed during Uganda’s outbreak remain active.

The DRC crisis is a reminder that emergency preparedness cannot depend only on large institutions. Strong local networks are equally important.

Continued donor support will help us maintain these grassroots networks, strengthen frontline capacity and ensure that communities remain prepared for future health emergencies.

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Sep 9, 2026
Hygiene and Handwashing

By Zachery Onyango | Project Leader

Expanding Hygiene Promotion and Community Infection Prevention

Dear Supporter,

Hygiene promotion remains a practical and sustainable component of Ebola preparedness. While no single intervention can stop an outbreak alone, communities that understand and practice appropriate infection-prevention measures are better positioned to reduce risks and cooperate with health authorities.

Uganda has successfully ended its 2026 Ebola outbreak after completing the required 42-day monitoring period. The achievement reflects coordinated efforts involving surveillance, contact tracing, clinical response, community engagement and infection prevention.

The continuing emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo demonstrates why these lessons remain important. As of 3 September, the DRC had recorded 6,342 confirmed cases and 3,072 deaths.

Development Alert continues promoting practical hygiene measures in schools, markets, transport stages, community meeting points and households. Handwashing facilities and demonstrations provide opportunities to turn public-health information into everyday behavior.

Our volunteers also help communities understand the importance of following official guidance during suspected outbreaks. We encourage residents to avoid relying on rumors and to seek information from trained health workers and trusted community leaders.

Hygiene education is particularly important in high-movement settings where people from different communities interact. Transport centers, markets and schools provide strategic locations for reinforcing prevention messages.

The field motorcycle allows our teams to take these activities beyond easily accessible centers and into remote communities. It supports transportation of educational materials, field visits and follow-up activities.

Uganda’s successful response demonstrates that preparedness can work when communities participate. The scale of the DRC crisis demonstrates why these practices must remain active.

Development Alert remains committed to supporting communities with practical information and tools that can strengthen everyday health protection while the regional emergency continues

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Sep 9, 2026
Transport Workers and Border Mobility

By Zachery Onyango | Project Leader

Dear Donor,

We continue to Engage Transport Communities in Ebola Preparedness

Transport workers play a critical role in communities connected to the Uganda–DRC border. Boda boda riders, drivers, traders and other mobile populations regularly connect villages, markets and trading centers. During an infectious disease emergency, these networks can either increase risk or become powerful channels for accurate information and preparedness.

Uganda has successfully ended its 2026 Ebola outbreak after completing the internationally established 42-day monitoring period. This achievement demonstrates the value of strong surveillance and rapid response.

The regional situation remains extremely concerning. As of 3 September, the DRC had reported 6,342 confirmed cases and 3,072 deaths. WHO has described the epidemic as the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record and the fastest-moving Ebola outbreak ever seen.

Development Alert continues engaging transport communities with practical health information. Drivers and boda boda riders are encouraged to share reliable information, support early reporting and cooperate with health authorities.

Markets and transport stages remain important locations for awareness activities because they bring together people from different communities. Reaching these locations allows prevention messages to travel beyond a single village.

Our field motorcycle also provides mobility for Development Alert teams. It enables rapid movement between communities, follow-up of alerts, delivery of educational materials and support for emergency preparedness activities.

We emphasize that preparedness should not create fear or discrimination against travelers. Instead, communities need practical knowledge, reliable communication and appropriate health guidance.

The continuing DRC outbreak demonstrates the importance of strengthening these networks. By working with transport workers rather than simply viewing mobility as a risk, communities can turn existing social connections into channels for public-health education.

Continued support will allow Development Alert to maintain these relationships and strengthen preparedness among communities most connected to the regional Ebola emergency.

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