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Original Research
Continental concerted efforts to control the seventh outbreak of Ebola Virus disease in Uganda: The first 90 days of the response
Submitted: 03 April 2024 | Published: 30 September 2023
About the author(s)
Jane R. Aceng, Ministry of Health, Kampala, UgandaHenry K. Bosa, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Neema Kamara, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Diana Atwine, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Henry Mwebesa, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Howard Nyika, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Katusiime Maureen, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Charles Olaro, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Atek Kagirita, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Mohammed Larmode, Makerere University Institute of Infectious Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
Lul p. Riek, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
Elvis Temfack, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Stephanie Salyer, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Dativa Aliddeki, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
Shingai Machingaidze, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Festo Mazuguni, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Bruce Kirenga, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Winters Muttamba, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Misaki Wayengera, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Mudashir Bbuye, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Arthur Kasambula, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Daniel Eurien, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Akello Grace, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Ingrid Ampaire, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Isabirye Herbert, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Mathew Tut, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Donewell Bangure, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Wessam Mankoula, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ibrahima Sonko, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Alinon N. Kokou, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Simon Magodi, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Mhiraf, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
Daniel Bulwadda, Makerere University Institute of Infectious Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
Daniel Kyabayinze, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Zainah Kabami, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Allan Muruta, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Rony Bahatungire, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Upentho George, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Susan Nabadda, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Gloria Birungi, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Kabanda Richard, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Merawi Aragaw, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ahmed O. Ouma, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abstract
On 20th September 2022, Uganda declared the 7th outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Sudan Ebola strain following the confirmation of a case admitted at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Upon confirmation, the Government of Uganda immediately activated the national incident management system to initiate response activities. Additionally, a multi‑country emergency stakeholder meeting was held in Kampala; convening Ministers of Health from neighbouring Member States to undertake cross‑border preparedness and response actions. The outbreak spanned 69 days and recorded 164 cases (142 confirmed, 22 probable), 87 recoveries and 77 deaths (case fatality ratio of 47%). Nine out of 136 districts were affected with transmission taking place in 5 districts but spilling over in 4 districts without secondary transmission. As part of the response, the Government galvanised robust community mobilisation and initiated assessment of medical counter measures including therapeutics, new diagnostics and vaccines. This paper highlights the response actions that contributed to the containment of this outbreak in addition to the challenges faced with a special focus on key recommendations for better control of future outbreaks.
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