Uganda News

The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation-Uganda, and Makerere University, celebrated two significant milestones at the Uganda Public Health Institute: the 9^th graduation of Public Health Field Epidemiologists and the inaug

The United Nations in Uganda, under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, stands in full solidarity with the Government and people of Uganda following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak. We commend the Government of Uganda for its swift response and transparency in managing the crisis.

Brazzaville/Kampala – Following the confirmation of an outbreak of Sudan virus disease – which belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease – in Uganda today, World Health Organization (WHO) is mobilizing efforts to support the national health authorities to swiftly contain and end the outbreak. 

Uganda is set to advance its pharmaceutical regulatory capacity and boost local medical products production in strategic partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative follows a high-level mission from WHO’s Regulation and Prequalification Department, at the invitation of the Ministry of Health (MoH). 

Kampala. The World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MoH) to deploy the national Emergency Medical Team (nEMT) in the mpox outbreak response.

Uganda declared an outbreak of mpox on 24 July 2024, following confirmation of two cases in Kasese District. The outbreak has progressed since the declaration to affect over 70 districts with more than 2,000 cases reported across the country.

Kampala. As Uganda faces an ongoing mpox outbreak, the response is prioritizing innovation and inclusivity, particularly given the disease's disproportionate impact on Key Populations (KPs) such as sex workers and their networks. These marginalized groups, often subjected to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare, are at greater risk during public health emergencies.

Kampala. On 20 September 2022, Uganda declared an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), with the first confirmed case identified at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Over the course of the outbreak, 164 cases were reported, including 142 confirmed and 22 probable, resulting in 77 deaths and 87 recoveries. The outbreak, which spread across nine districts, posed one of Uganda’s greatest public health challenges in recent years. However, on 11 January 2023, Uganda declared the outbreak over – in record time of 69 days.

In the Busoga region of eastern Uganda, the fight for survival has long been a daunting challenge for mothers and their children. With one of the highest institutional maternal mortality rates in the country – 93 deaths per 100,000 institutional deliveries compared to a national average of 82.7 (Ministry of Health Annual Health Sector Performance Report 2023/2024)– the urgency to act is undeniable. For years, families have grappled with a broken emergency referral system, where the lack of resources and infrastructure has turned preventable complications into tragedies.

Twenty-eight-year-old Anna Akola smiles, a beautiful wide smile that lights up her whole face. She speaks very softly, and if you are not attentive, you can miss her words. It is hard to believe that this is the same person who, a fortnight ago, was writhing in pain and discomfort in the isolation unit at Pallisa General Hospital in Eastern Uganda.

Kampala – The Government of Uganda, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the broader community of health partners and stakeholders, has today launched the country’s second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II): 2024–2029.