Support Community-Led Ebola Containment in Uganda

Dear donor,

Uganda's successful declaration as Ebola-free is a major achievement, but communities along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border continue to understand that vigilance is essential. The continuing outbreak in the DRC, which has now surpassed 4,400 confirmed cases and more than 2,000 deaths, demonstrates the importance of maintaining strong community-based surveillance and rapid alert systems.

Development Alert is continuing to strengthen community communication networks that connect villages, local leaders, community health volunteers, and health facilities. These networks are particularly important in remote border communities where residents may live far from formal healthcare services. Community members are encouraged to report unusual illness or suspected Ebola symptoms as quickly as possible so that trained health authorities can investigate and provide appropriate guidance.

Our volunteers are also helping communities distinguish reliable health information from rumors and misinformation. During outbreaks, fear can spread almost as quickly as disease, and misinformation can discourage people from seeking care or cooperating with response teams. Trusted community voices therefore play a critical role in maintaining confidence.

Schools, markets, transport stages, places of worship, and community meetings continue providing opportunities to reinforce preparedness messages. Local leaders are encouraged to maintain communication with health facilities and ensure that emerging concerns are communicated promptly.

The field motorcycle purchased during the emergency response further strengthens this system by enabling teams to reach remote villages quickly when follow-up or urgent field activities are required.

Uganda's Ebola response demonstrated that early action, strong surveillance, and community cooperation can save lives. Your support helped make that success possible. Today, we are building on those lessons to ensure that communities remain prepared while standing in solidarity with families and frontline responders across the DRC.