Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear supporter,

Ebola does not recognize political boundaries. Communities living along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border maintain close family, commercial, agricultural, educational, and social connections. These relationships are essential to livelihoods, but during an infectious disease emergency they also make cross-border preparedness particularly important.

Uganda has successfully completed its enhanced 42-day monitoring period following an outbreak that recorded 20 confirmed cases, 18 recoveries and two deaths. WHO has confirmed that Uganda's enhanced monitoring period was completed without further transmission.

Across the border, however, the DRC outbreak continues to expand. WHO reported 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths as of 26 August, with transmission affecting 60 health zones in six provinces. WHO has also warned that informal border crossing routes create continuing risks for virus exportation, importation, and onward transmission.

Development Alert is therefore maintaining preparedness among Ugandan border communities. Our interventions include community awareness, hygiene promotion, early-warning systems, engagement with local leaders, support for community volunteers, and health education in high-movement locations.

Markets, transport stages, schools, places of worship, and trading centers are particularly important because they bring people from different communities together. Boda boda riders, traders, teachers, religious leaders, women, youth, and community health volunteers can all contribute to spreading accurate information.

Our field motorcycle continues to strengthen rapid response capacity, allowing teams to reach remote locations, conduct community visits, deliver prevention materials, and support follow-up activities.

We are committed not only to protecting Uganda's Ebola-free achievement but also to promoting regional solidarity. Communities affected by the DRC outbreak need continued international attention, resources, and support.

Every trained volunteer, every household reached, every alert communicated promptly, and every prevention message shared contributes to stronger regional health security.

Development Alert remains committed to standing with vulnerable communities on the Uganda–DRC border and ensuring that grassroots preparedness remains active for as long as the threat continues.