Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear Donor,

The experience of Uganda’s 2026 Ebola outbreak demonstrated that rapid response can make the difference between containing an outbreak and allowing widespread transmission. Uganda successfully completed its 42-day countdown without a new confirmed case, confirming that the outbreak had ended.

Across the border, however, the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing an increasingly severe emergency. By 3 September, DRC authorities had reported 6,342 confirmed cases and 3,072 deaths. WHO’s latest situation assessment shows that the epidemic is continuing to move rapidly, with new cases being identified across affected areas.

Development Alert continues strengthening community-level preparedness so that potential health alerts can be communicated quickly. Community volunteers, local leaders and Village Health Teams remain important links between households and formal health facilities.

Our activities focus on helping communities understand the importance of early reporting and cooperation with trained health authorities. We continue encouraging residents to report unusual illnesses promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.

The field motorcycle remains particularly valuable for rapid response. In remote border communities, poor roads and long distances can delay intervention. Reliable transportation enables teams to conduct community visits, follow up alerts, support contact-tracing readiness and deliver prevention materials.

We are also working to reduce fear, stigma and misinformation. Communities that trust health workers are more likely to report concerns early and cooperate with response measures.

Uganda’s experience has shown that preparedness works. The DRC’s rapidly expanding outbreak shows why preparedness must never be abandoned after one country declares an outbreak over.

Through continued donor support, Development Alert is helping ensure that border communities remain connected, informed and ready to respond.

Dear donor,

Thanks to your generosity and sacrifice. Uganda has successfully completed its Ebola response and remains Ebola-free after completing the internationally established 42-day monitoring period. 

The country recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases during the 2026 outbreak, and the successful response demonstrated the importance of rapid detection, contact tracing, infection prevention, community engagement and coordinated emergency response. WHO and Africa CDC have recognized Uganda’s achievement while emphasizing the importance of maintaining preparedness because Ebola continues to circulate in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

The regional situation has become significantly more serious. As of 3 September, the DRC had reported 6,342 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,072 related deaths. A total of 770 patients were hospitalized in isolation. The continuing outbreak has spread across multiple provinces and remains particularly severe in Ituri, while North Kivu and other affected areas continue reporting cases.

Development Alert is therefore continuing its grassroots preparedness activities in communities connected to the Uganda–DRC border. Our interventions include community health education, hygiene promotion, local surveillance, early reporting, engagement with community leaders, and preparedness activities in schools, markets, transport stages and places of worship.

The field motorcycle purchased to strengthen emergency response remains an important asset. It allows teams to reach remote communities, conduct follow-up visits, transport educational materials and supplies, and respond quickly when community alerts are received.

Uganda’s success provides hope, but the growing DRC emergency creates an urgent reason to remain vigilant. Continued donor support will help Development Alert protect Uganda’s hard-won progress while strengthening the resilience of vulnerable border communities