Uganda is nearing the declaration of Ebola eradication; the discharge of the last patient from the hospital paves the way for the decisive phase.

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Uganda is poised to mark a significant milestone in its efforts to combat the Ebola virus, with health authorities announcing the imminent discharge of the last patient receiving treatment, a move that represents a major step towards containing the outbreak that the country has witnessed over the past months.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health confirmed that the last patient was receiving treatment at Mulago National Hospital in the capital, Kampala, and that after his recovery, the countdown set by the World Health Organization, which is 42 days without recording any new infections, will begin before the outbreak is officially declared over.

42 days to decide the battle against the virus

According to World Health Organization guidelines, no country can be declared Ebola-free until 42 days have passed since the last patient was discharged or the last case was recorded, a period that is twice the maximum incubation period of the virus, ensuring that there are no hidden chains of transmission of the infection.

During this phase, health authorities continue to implement epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, and strengthen testing and rapid response procedures, in anticipation of any new cases that may restart the outbreak cycle.

A health response limited the spread of the disease.

Uganda recorded 20 cases during the recent outbreak, including imported cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo and others resulting from local transmission, while most of the infected recovered and two deaths were recorded, according to official data issued by the Ministry of Health.

Health officials indicate that the rapid detection of cases, isolation of infected individuals, contact tracing, and cooperation with the World Health Organization and international partners have contributed to limiting the spread of the disease and preventing it from turning into a widespread health crisis within the country.

Regional outbreaks are still ongoing

Although Uganda is close to being declared free of the virus, regional risks remain, as the Ebola outbreak continues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 2,000 cases and hundreds of deaths have been recorded, making the shared border between the two countries under strict health control to prevent the transmission of the infection again.

Ugandan authorities are continuing inspections at border crossings, along with community awareness campaigns and coordination with neighboring countries, with the aim of maintaining the gains achieved over the past months.

Stay tuned for the official announcement.

Public health experts believe that Uganda's success in reaching this stage reflects the effectiveness of its rapid response system and the experience the country has gained in dealing with Ebola epidemics over the past years, but they stress the need to remain vigilant until the end of the entire monitoring period.

It is expected that if no new cases are recorded during the next six weeks, the World Health Organization will officially declare Uganda free of the Ebola outbreak, an achievement that represents a strong boost for the country’s health sector and strengthens regional efforts to curb the spread of the virus in the East and Central Africa region.