The Sudan strain of Ebola was the first Ebola outbreak in Uganda since 2012. The virus is without a vaccine which made it more deadly. Many measures including; lock down being the more restrictive, were adopted since September when the first Ebola cases were reported.

“Uganda put a swift end to Ebola by ramping up key control measures such as surveillance, contact tracing and information, prevention and control” – said health minister, Dr. Ruth Aceng. “The magic bullet has been our communities which understood the importance of doing what was needed to end the outbreak, and took action” she added.

In less than 4 months after cases were reported, Uganda has been reported Ebola free. The country has had no new cases in more than 42 days, twice the incubation period of the virus, a  WHO organization benchmark for a country to be declared Ebola free.

The Ebola outbreak in Uganda begun in Mubende, spreading shortly to neighboring Kassada both districts facing lockdown. The virus was reported in the capital city too where delicate measures has to be taken considering the city’s population.

“This is a very great day for the country” said Emmanuel Ainebyona a health Ministry spokesperson.

Dr. Tedro Adhanom Ghebreyesus – WHO Director General congratulated Uganda for its “Robust” and “comprehensive response.”

Courtesy photo.