By Zachery Onyango | Project Leader
Dear donor,
The latest Ebola situation demonstrates both the importance of community-led preparedness and the enormous challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has successfully ended its 2026 outbreak after recording 20 confirmed cases, 18 recoveries and two deaths. The country completed the internationally established 42-day monitoring period without a new confirmed case, confirming that no further transmission linked to the outbreak was detected.
Across the border, however, the emergency continues to expand. WHO reported that by 26 August the DRC had recorded 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths. Sixty health zones across six provinces are now affected, with Ituri remaining the epicentre and North Kivu also experiencing significant transmission. WHO notes that the high fatality rate underscores continuing challenges with early detection, access to quality clinical care and interruption of transmission.
Development Alert is responding by keeping community preparedness at the center of our work. We continue supporting health awareness sessions that encourage residents to recognize health alerts early, communicate concerns promptly and cooperate with trained health authorities.
Our interventions extend beyond health education. We are strengthening community surveillance networks, supporting local volunteers, promoting handwashing and infection-prevention practices, and maintaining preparedness among transport workers and other groups whose daily activities connect multiple communities.
The field motorcycle continues to make a practical difference. In remote border communities, long distances and poor roads can delay response activities. Reliable transportation allows our teams to move quickly between villages, conduct follow-up visits, distribute prevention materials and support emergency activities when required.
We are also committed to reaching vulnerable households that can easily be overlooked during large-scale emergencies. Community-based outreach allows information and preparedness activities to reach people where they live.
Uganda's Ebola-free status gives us hope that determined action can stop transmission. The DRC emergency reminds us that sustained investment is essential. With continued donor support, Development Alert can help protect Uganda's progress while strengthening grassroots preparedness and resilience among communities connected to the ongoing crisis.
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