WHO hails Uganda’s Ebola response after all patients discharged
The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Uganda’s “strong” response to the latest Ebola outbreak after the country discharged eight patients on Tuesday.
The WHO said early detection, effective case management, and community mobilization were key in limiting the spread of the virus.
“This milestone reflects the power of Uganda’s quick and coordinated response, alongside WHO and partners. Each recovered patient represents the dedication of healthcare workers, community leaders, and the global health community working together,” the WHO said in a statement.
WHO Country Representative to Uganda Dr. Kasonde Mwinga vowed to continue working with Ugandan authorities to ensure the response remained active.
“The next 42 days are critical in ensuring no new case arises. If no new infection occurred during this period, this outbreak would be declared over.”
Uganda’s health minister, Jane Ruth Aceng, cautioned the public against stigmatizing the discharged individuals.
“The patients we are discharging today are safe and free of the disease,” Aceng said. She also urged the families and communities of the patients to receive and interact with them normally.
Uganda declared its latest Ebola outbreak on January 30. Nine confirmed cases have been reported so far. One person died. 265 people who had contact with the confirmed cases remain under strict quarantine.
