Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear Donor,

Uganda's successful completion of its Ebola response is an important achievement for communities, health workers, government authorities, and partners who worked together to stop transmission. WHO has confirmed that Uganda completed its enhanced 42-day monitoring period without detecting further transmission. The country recorded 20 confirmed cases, including 18 recoveries and two deaths. This achievement demonstrates the importance of early detection, contact tracing, infection prevention, community engagement, and rapid response.

However, Uganda's success comes while the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo continues experiencing a severe Ebola emergency. WHO reported 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths in the DRC as of 26 August 2026. The outbreak has expanded to 60 health zones across six provinces. Ituri remains the epicenter, while North Kivu and other provinces continue reporting cases.

Development Alert is continuing preparedness activities among communities connected to the Uganda–DRC border. Our work focuses on maintaining community alert systems, health education, hygiene promotion, early reporting, and communication between local communities and health facilities.

The field motorcycle purchased to strengthen emergency response continues to provide practical support. It allows teams to reach remote communities, conduct follow-up visits, deliver prevention materials, and respond quickly when health concerns are reported.

We are also continuing engagement with community leaders, Village Health Teams, teachers, transport workers, women, youth, religious leaders, and other trusted community representatives. Their involvement helps ensure that accurate information reaches households and that misinformation does not undermine preparedness.

Uganda's Ebola-free status should be celebrated, but it must also be protected. The continuing crisis in the DRC demonstrates why border preparedness cannot be treated as a temporary activity.

With continued donor support, Development Alert can maintain grassroots surveillance, strengthen community resilience, and ensure that vulnerable border communities remain informed and prepared for any future health emergency.