Kampala. Partners in the Sudan Ebola virus disease (SVD) outbreak response in Uganda have endorsed a six month (January - July, 2023) USD 32 million national post-Ebola recovery plan at a meeting in Kampala. The plan was developed by Ministry of Health (MOH), with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partners through consultation across pillars to address the post-outbreak recovery period.

WHO guidance provides for a post-outbreak heightened surveillance during the recovery period. This is meant to strengthen core capacities for timely detection and response to public health emergencies, building on country experience, best practices and lessons learnt from the outbreak.

The recovery plan addresses the continued risk of SVD emergence, and the gaps identified in the health system during the response. For example, some regions reported low contact tracing follow up and high mobility, necessitating continued heightened surveillance across those districts. The priorities for implementation of the plan were identified by the different pillars following the Accountability Forum and visits to affected districts. The post-Ebola outbreak plan priorities include surveillance, infection prevention and control, community engagement as well as follow up and management of survivors among others.

“In the upcoming 180 days, as we will be taking actions to ensure that there is no resurgence of Ebola cases, we will also strengthen our health system to manage the existing health issues and prevent future outbreaks,” said Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Uganda’s Health Minister.

Partners and stakeholders endorsed the recovery plan and committed to support Ministry of Health to smoothly implement it.

“The United Nations pledges to deepen its ongoing collaboration and cooperation with the Ministry of Health and other development partners to ensure that during these 180 days, we all take appropriate actions to achieve our common goal,” Susan Ngongi Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda said.

Uganda confirmed the first case of the fifth Sudan Ebola virus outbreak in the country on 20 September 2022 in Madudu sub-county, Mubende district. Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and other partners mounted a response to the outbreak that resulted in control of the outbreak after 69 days. The outbreak was declared over on 11^th January 2023. By the end of the outbreak, 142 confirmed cases and 55 deaths had been registered. Nine districts were affected: Mubende, Kassanda, Kampala, Kyegegwa, Kagadi, Bunyangabu, Wakiso, Masaka, and Jinja.

“We will continue supporting partner coordination and work with Ministry of Health to monitor implementation of the post-Ebola recovery plan," said Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Country Representative.