Kampala – In a high-level joint mission this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya visited Uganda to strengthen collaboration on health security and build more resilient systems across the continent.
The leaders held talks with Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine, and other senior officials. They praised Uganda’s swift and effective response that successfully contained the recent Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which infected 20 people and claimed two lives before the country was declared free of the disease on 28 July 2026.
“We commended the country’s leadership in containing the Ebola outbreak and recognized the dedication of health workers, communities and partners whose efforts helped interrupt transmission,” Dr Janabi said after meeting the Health Minister. He stressed that with the outbreak continuing in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, sustained surveillance, readiness and cross-border coordination remain essential.
Dr Kaseya echoed the praise, noting that Uganda’s strong national leadership and coordinated action provided valuable lessons for the region. The mission reviewed best practices, including rapid detection, contact tracing, community engagement and support extended to DRC through the deployment of Ugandan health workers and technical expertise.
Officials highlighted Uganda’s investments in preparedness capacities and its role in hosting the Continental Incident Management Support Team at Makerere University’s Infectious Diseases Institute. This platform brings together experts from WHO, Africa CDC and partners to coordinate responses and support at-risk countries.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to technical cooperation, capacity building and strategic partnerships. Dr Janabi pointed to Uganda’s vision for stronger local production of vaccines, medicines and diagnostics as a key step toward health sovereignty. “Every outbreak reminds us that health security cannot depend entirely on external supply chains,” he stated.
The visit comes at a critical time. While Uganda has ended its outbreak, the situation in eastern DRC continues to pose a cross-border threat. Leaders called for enhanced vigilance at borders, continuous information sharing and African-led solutions to protect communities.
Health experts say the deepened collaboration will help maintain the gains made and prepare the region for future public health emergencies. Uganda’s experience has demonstrated that early action, community trust and regional solidarity can stop outbreaks in their tracks.
As the mission concluded, both Dr Janabi and Dr Kaseya expressed confidence that sustained partnership with Uganda will advance resilient health systems and stronger health security for Africa as a whole. The joint efforts signal a shared resolve to keep the continent safer against emerging threats.