US boosts Uganda's Ebola response with cutting-edge treatments

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In a major boost to Uganda’s efforts to eliminate the 2025 Ebola outbreak, the United States government has donated 100 vials of advanced monoclonal antibody treatment to the Ministry of Health.

This cutting-edge medical intervention, which has shown great promise in improving survival rates among Ebola patients, strengthens the longstanding collaboration between the two nations in combating infectious diseases.

The handover ceremony took place on April 14, 2025, at the National Medical Stores, where U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp officially presented the donation to the State Minister for Health (General Duties), Anifa Kawooya Bangirana.

The donated monoclonal antibodies, known for their ability to target and neutralise the virus, will be stored under controlled temperatures, making them viable for years and ready for use should new cases arise.

U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp and the State Minister for Health, General Duties, the Honorable Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, at the National Medical Stores for the handover of the United States’ donation of 100 vials. (Courtesy photo)

“The United States’ donation of monoclonal antibodies is an important contribution to the global fight against Ebola, saving lives in Uganda and making both America and Uganda safer,” said Ambassador Popp.

Monoclonal antibodies represent a significant breakthrough in Ebola treatment, and their timely delivery comes as Uganda continues the countdown to declare an end to the Sudan Ebola Virus (SUDV) outbreak.

The country has made steady progress in containing the virus, and the availability of these treatments ensures that health workers are equipped to swiftly manage any potential resurgence.

The donation builds upon the longstanding partnership between Uganda and the United States in the health sector. During the 2022 outbreak in Mubende, similar treatments were provided by the U.S. government for compassionate use, contributing to the successful control of the virus in the region.

Minister Kawooya welcomed the support, noting that the treatments would bolster preparedness in the final stages of the current outbreak.

“We appreciate the continued solidarity of the United States in strengthening Uganda’s health response,” Kawooya told New Vision.

“This donation enhances our capacity to manage cases promptly and effectively and reflects the fruits of international cooperation in public health,” Kawooya added.

To date, the U.S. has contributed over $6 million (approx sh21.98bn) to Uganda’s Ebola response in 2025. This funding has supported a wide range of interventions, including case identification and surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, contact tracing, entry and exit screening, risk communication, community engagement, and infection prevention and control.

Beyond the current outbreak, this investment is also part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to strengthen Uganda’s health system. Over the years, the partnership has grown to include support for infrastructure, training, and health workforce development, helping to build resilience against future health threats.

According to health experts, monoclonal antibodies are among the most promising developments in the fight against Ebola. By binding to the virus and preventing it from infecting cells, they provide critically ill patients with a much higher chance of recovery, particularly when administered early.

The recent donation underscores the importance of international partnerships in tackling global health emergencies. As Amb. Popp highlighted:

“Providing these groundbreaking treatments demonstrates the United States’ strong commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, shared prosperity, and global health security. As we respond to outbreaks like Ebola, we build stronger global health security partnerships that benefit us all.”

The Ministry of Health has indicated that while the outbreak is nearing its official end, the fight is not yet over. Surveillance remains high, and the availability of effective treatment is a critical step toward ensuring that any remaining risks are swiftly addressed.

Currently, the country is still on the 42-day countdown to being declared Ebola-free, with no active cases, according to Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona.