Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear donor,

The continuing Ebola emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo demonstrates why health information must reach communities before misinformation and fear take hold. While Uganda has successfully ended its outbreak, the DRC has recorded 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths as of August 16, making this the country's deadliest Ebola outbreak on record.

Development Alert continues prioritizing community-level health education among families living in areas connected to the Uganda–DRC border. Our outreach approach recognizes that many vulnerable families face barriers to accessing formal health services, including distance, poor roads, financial limitations, and lack of timely information.

Community volunteers are taking prevention messages closer to households. Families are being encouraged to understand the importance of early reporting, appropriate hygiene, prompt referral of suspected illness, and cooperation with trained health personnel. Outreach activities also help communities understand why stigma can be dangerous during an outbreak.

Children and young people are being reached through schools and youth networks. Teachers and community leaders help reinforce messages that children can share with their families. Women and caregivers are also important partners because they often play central roles in household health decisions.

Development Alert is also maintaining awareness activities at markets and transport points where people from different communities interact. These locations provide valuable opportunities to reach traders, drivers, boda boda riders, and travelers with accurate information.

Our field motorcycle continues to strengthen this work by allowing outreach teams to reach communities that would otherwise be difficult to access. It supports household visits, follow-up activities, transportation of educational materials, and rapid movement of field personnel.

Uganda's successful response demonstrates the value of informed communities. By continuing grassroots education and preparedness, we are helping protect vulnerable families and preserve Uganda's progress while the DRC continues confronting an unprecedented Ebola emergency.