Uganda has intensified coordination efforts in its ongoing Ebola response following a high-level meeting convened by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The meeting brought together WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, ambassadors, heads of mission, and development partners to review progress and strengthen collaboration in managing the outbreak.

Leading the Ugandan delegation, Permanent Secretary for Health Dr. Diana Atwine reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, timely communication, and evidence-based public health interventions. She attributed progress in containing the outbreak to strong political leadership from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, noting that sustained coordination has been central to the national response strategy.

Dr. Atwine also emphasized regional cooperation, particularly with the Democratic Republic of Congo, describing the partnership as vital in controlling cross-border transmission. She stressed that “DRC is our brother country” and highlighted the importance of joint efforts in defeating the outbreak.

A key message from the Ugandan delegation was a call for countries that have imposed travel restrictions on Uganda to reconsider their measures, arguing that such restrictions may hinder response operations and the movement of essential health supplies and personnel.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus echoed these concerns, stating that travel restrictions are not effective in controlling Ebola outbreaks. He warned that such measures can disrupt supply chains, limit technical support deployment, and undermine international cooperation and trust.

Dr. Tedros further emphasized that governments must remain in the lead of outbreak response efforts, supported by partners operating under a unified framework that includes a single plan, a single budget, and a coordinated monitoring and evaluation system.

He commended Uganda’s response efforts and reaffirmed continued support from the World Health Organization, highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration in bringing the outbreak under control.