KAMPALA: The United Nations has made an urgent appeal for $11.2 million to support Uganda in tackling an Ebola outbreak that has claimed two lives. The East African nation's healthcare system is under financial strain following reductions in U.S. foreign aid.
The outbreak was declared in January in Kampala after a male nurse at Uganda’s national referral hospital succumbed to the virus. A second victim, a four-year-old child, passed away last week, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which cited Uganda's health ministry.
So far, the country has recorded ten confirmed cases, all linked to the Sudan strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine exists. The U.N. announced on Tuesday that the requested funds would support the response efforts between March and May across seven high-risk districts.
"The objective is to swiftly contain the outbreak and mitigate its effects on public health and the socio-economic well-being of affected communities," stated Kasonde Mwinga, WHO’s representative in Uganda.
Historically, Uganda has depended significantly on U.S. financial assistance for its healthcare sector. During the last Ebola outbreak in 2022-2023, the U.S. contributed $34 million toward case management, surveillance, diagnostics, laboratory support, and infection prevention measures, as detailed in a report from the U.S. Embassy.
However, the Trump administration’s aid freeze has led to significant funding cuts for Uganda's health programs, impacting the country’s ability to respond to public health crises. As a result, WHO has had to temporarily take on responsibilities previously handled by other organizations, including border surveillance and biological sample management, according to Dr. Janet Diaz from the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.
Ebola, a highly contagious and often fatal virus, presents symptoms such as fever, headaches, and muscle pain. It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or tissues.
Uganda’s Health Ministry has yet to issue an official response to the funding concerns.
