Health
US injects additional sh75bn to boost regional Ebola response
In a statement issued on June 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of State said the additional funding will support preparedness activities in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, as countries in the region remain on high alert over the Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The United States government has announced an additional $20 million (about sh75 billion) to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response efforts across East and Central Africa. (AFP photo)
By: Michael Odeng, Journalist @New Vision
__________________
The United States government has announced an additional $20 million (about sh75 billion) to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response efforts across East and Central Africa.
This brings its total contribution to the current outbreak response to more than $220 million (about sh828.6 billion).
In a statement issued on June 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of State said the additional funding will support preparedness activities in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, as countries in the region remain on high alert over the Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The latest allocation adds to $350 million (about sh1.3 trillion) already earmarked for Ebola response and humanitarian assistance in the DRC, South Sudan and Uganda under a broader US humanitarian package announced on May 14 this year.
According to the Department of State, the funds will be used to strengthen surveillance systems, laboratory testing, border screening, infection prevention and control measures, emergency operations centres and the procurement of critical medical supplies.
Uganda continues to benefit from regional preparedness programmes supported by the United States and its partners. The International Organisation for Migration, with U.S. funding, has trained about 1,000 village health teams to enhance community-based surveillance and early detection of suspected Ebola cases.
The US said its implementing partners are also supporting contact tracing, health screening at border points, community awareness campaigns and operations at health facilities in affected areas.
In the DRC, the United Nations Children’s Fund has delivered 150 metric tonnes of water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to frontline health facilities in Bunia, serving about 100,000 people for six months.
The response has also included the deployment of mobile laboratories, support for safe and dignified burials, decontamination teams and public education campaigns aimed at countering misinformation about Ebola.
According to the Department of State, the funds will be used to strengthen surveillance systems, laboratory testing, border screening, infection prevention and control measures, emergency operations centres and the procurement of critical medical supplies.
Uganda continues to benefit from regional preparedness programmes supported by the United States and its partners. The International Organisation for Migration, with U.S. funding, has trained about 1,000 village health teams to enhance community-based surveillance and early detection of suspected Ebola cases.
The US said its implementing partners are also supporting contact tracing, health screening at border points, community awareness campaigns and operations at health facilities in affected areas.
In the DRC, the United Nations Children’s Fund has delivered 150 metric tonnes of water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to frontline health facilities in Bunia, serving about 100,000 people for six months.
The response has also included the deployment of mobile laboratories, support for safe and dignified burials, decontamination teams and public education campaigns aimed at countering misinformation about Ebola.
The US Department of State noted that protecting American citizens remains a priority, adding that guidance has been issued to assist U.S. nationals who may have been exposed to Ebola or who may seek to leave affected countries during the outbreak.
Museveni speaks out on Ebola
While addressing the nation on June 10, President Yoweri Museveni warned Ugandans against complacency in the face of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, saying the disease can be contained if people avoid unnecessary physical contact, report symptoms early, and follow guidance from health authorities.
Museveni urged Ugandans to rely on meat inspected through approved channels such as abattoirs, citing previous outbreaks linked to exposure to bats in caves, and warned communities living near wildlife habitats to remain vigilant.
Beyond contact with bats, Museveni cautioned against consuming bush meat, particularly animals such as monkeys known to harbour the Ebola virus.
No new cases
Museveni said Uganda has so far confirmed 19 Ebola cases, with five recoveries and two deaths. He added that 14 infections were imported from the DRC, where the outbreak remains concentrated.
Museveni speaks out on Ebola
While addressing the nation on June 10, President Yoweri Museveni warned Ugandans against complacency in the face of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, saying the disease can be contained if people avoid unnecessary physical contact, report symptoms early, and follow guidance from health authorities.
Museveni urged Ugandans to rely on meat inspected through approved channels such as abattoirs, citing previous outbreaks linked to exposure to bats in caves, and warned communities living near wildlife habitats to remain vigilant.
Beyond contact with bats, Museveni cautioned against consuming bush meat, particularly animals such as monkeys known to harbour the Ebola virus.
No new cases
Museveni said Uganda has so far confirmed 19 Ebola cases, with five recoveries and two deaths. He added that 14 infections were imported from the DRC, where the outbreak remains concentrated.