Protect Uganda-DRC Border Communities from Ebola

Dear Donor,

The continuing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo demonstrates why disease preparedness cannot stop at national borders.

The latest ECDC update reports 7,200 confirmed cases and 3,475 deaths in the DRC as of 12 September, while the outbreak has continued expanding geographically. WHO previously reported transmission across 61 health zones, and recent reporting has confirmed the involvement of South Ubangi, the seventh province affected.

Uganda has successfully ended its own Ebola outbreak, but its geographical proximity to the DRC means continued vigilance remains important.

Development Alert's preparedness activities focus on strengthening communication and awareness among communities that interact across borders through trade, family connections, transport, employment and other activities.

We engage community leaders and local volunteers to promote accurate health information and encourage prompt reporting of concerning illnesses. We also emphasize that people should seek appropriate medical guidance rather than relying on rumors or informal treatments.

Cross-border preparedness also requires coordination. Community organizations, local authorities, health workers and development partners must be able to communicate when risks emerge.

We support community education at locations where people gather and move frequently, including markets, transport points, schools and villages. Boda boda riders and other transport workers are particularly important because they connect multiple communities every day.

Our approach also includes preparedness for the movement of essential supplies and information into underserved areas.

The objective is not to restrict legitimate movement unnecessarily. It is to make communities more capable of recognizing risks and responding responsibly.

WHO and African health authorities continue emphasizing stronger cross-border cooperation as part of regional preparedness.

The border should not be a gap in public-health protection. With continued support, Development Alert can help strengthen the community connections that make early warning, communication and rapid action possible.