Uganda has discharged its last two Ebola patients, marking a significant step toward ending the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak. With no new cases reported, the Ministry of Health has now embarked on a 42-day countdown, the required period before the country can declare the outbreak over.
The two recovered patients—a 55-year-old man from Matugga and a 45-year-old woman from Kyegegwa—were discharged after testing negative following supportive treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, respectively.
Since the outbreak was declared on January 30, 2025, Uganda has confirmed 12 cases, out of which 10 have fully recovered after receiving treatment.
Sweden Pledges $2 Million to Support Ebola Response
In a show of international solidarity, the Government of Sweden has announced $2 million in new funding to UNICEFto support Uganda’s national Ebola response plan. The funding will be used over the next five months to strengthen critical health interventions, particularly in Kampala and its five divisions, as well as the Mbale and Jinja districts.
Speaking during a visit to Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Mr. Benjamin Dousa, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to Uganda’s Ebola response efforts.
“Sweden has supported responses to previous Ebola outbreaks in Uganda. We are glad to partner with UNICEF to once again provide critical support in controlling the ongoing outbreak,” Dousa said. “Our contribution will help strengthen Uganda’s national and community health systems to ensure timely prevention and response.”
UNICEF Expands Ebola Prevention and Response Efforts
With Sweden’s support, UNICEF will collaborate with the Government of Uganda and other partners to intensify risk communication and community engagement, ensuring that communities are aware of Ebola prevention measures, recognize symptoms early, and seek care promptly. The response is expected to benefit 8.1 million people, directly and indirectly.
UNICEF is playing a key role in Uganda’s Ebola response by supporting the establishment of emergency treatment and isolation units at Mulago National Referral Hospital and Mbale City, ensuring immediate care for patients. The organization has also provided food and milk for affected children at Mulago’s emergency treatment unit and is distributing lifesaving supplies, including handwashing units and liquid soap, to Ebola treatment centers.
To further prevent infections, UNICEF is rehabilitating water systems at the Mbale Ebola Isolation Centre and supporting the rollout of vaccination efforts. In addition, mental health and psychosocial support is being provided to children in isolation centers, helping them reintegrate into their communities. To ensure continuity of care, 15 locum health workers have been deployed at Mulago National Referral Hospital to support patient treatment.
UNICEF is also co-chairing the Risk Communication and Social Mobilization pillar under the Ministry of Health, working to strengthen community awareness and encourage early health-seeking behavior.
UNICEF Representative to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, expressed gratitude for Sweden’s ongoing support, highlighting its role in strengthening Uganda’s health systems and responding to emergencies, including past outbreaks and COVID-19.
“With funding from the Swedish Government, we will reinforce Uganda’s Ebola response plan, ensuring a sustained, integrated approach that will help contain the outbreak and save the lives of children, women, and families,” Dr. Nandy said.