Dr. Chris Baryomunsi -Minister of Health togetherwith Ministry of Health team and partners at the Isolation Unit
Uganda has entered the final phase of its fight against the latest Ebola outbreak after the last confirmed patient infected with the Bundibugyo strain of the virus was discharged from Mulago National Referral Hospital, triggering the World Health Organization’s mandatory 42-day countdown before the country can be declared Ebola-free.
The survivor was officially discharged on Thursday after testing negative for the virus, with Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi presenting an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) discharge certificate confirming that the patient no longer poses a risk of transmitting the disease.
“As of July 16, 2026, the survivor does not present a risk of infecting other persons after testing negative for Ebola virus disease,” the certificate read, adding that the individual is fit to return to normal family and professional life.
Under WHO guidelines, a country can only be declared Ebola-free after completing 42 consecutive days without recording a new confirmed case. The period represents two full incubation cycles of the virus and is intended to ensure transmission has been completely interrupted.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi Minister for Health Addressing Journalists today
The outbreak, caused by the relatively rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, tested Uganda’s public health response but was contained through aggressive case detection, contact tracing, laboratory testing and strict infection prevention measures coordinated by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization and development partners.
Health officials also credited improved supportive care and the use of experimental treatments in selected cases for enhancing patient recovery during the outbreak.
“We are getting better results because of the supportive care we provide, alongside some experimental medicines used on compassionate grounds,” a health official said.
While the discharge represents a significant milestone, authorities stressed that surveillance remains on high alert throughout the six-week monitoring period. Rapid response teams will continue tracking contacts and investigating any suspected cases to prevent fresh transmission.
Uganda has built a strong reputation for containing Ebola outbreaks through swift public health interventions, having previously managed outbreaks caused by both the Sudan and Bundibugyo strains. If no new infections are confirmed over the next 42 days, the country will officially regain its Ebola-free status.
Leave a Reply