Director General Jean Kaseya urges proportionate, evidence-based and country-specific public health measures
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 21 July 2026 — H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has formally called on the United States Government to urgently review and remove Uganda from the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension.
Statement by H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC
Today, I formally called on the United States Government to urgently review and remove Uganda from the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension.
Uganda’s epidemiological situation has improved significantly. The country has reported no new confirmed Ebola case since 21 June 2026, discharged its last patient and entered the 42-day countdown toward declaring the outbreak over.
All 836 identified contacts have completed follow-up. Surveillance remains active across 36 high-risk districts and 38 points of entry. Laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, risk communication and community surveillance remain fully operational.
These results reflect decisive national leadership, the courage and commitment of Uganda’s health workers and communities, and strong cooperation between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa CDC and our partners.
Continued transmission in parts of the DRC requires sustained vigilance. Uganda’s demonstrated capacity to detect, report and respond rapidly provides a strong basis for a differentiated, country-specific assessment.
Public health measures must follow the evidence.
Africa CDC is calling for proportionate safeguards that reflect Uganda’s current epidemiological situation. Risk-based departure and arrival screening, traveller health declarations, exposure-based monitoring and rapid referral of symptomatic travellers can provide effective public health protection.
Countries that detect outbreaks early, report transparently and act decisively deserve recognition and support. Evidence-based decisions strengthen trust, international cooperation and rapid reporting during future health emergencies.
Africa CDC stands ready to share the latest surveillance data with the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, facilitate direct technical consultations and support any additional verification required.
Uganda’s progress deserves recognition. Vigilance must continue. Every public health decision must remain grounded in science, proportionality and partnership.
H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya
Director General, Africa CDC
Notes to editors
Africa CDC has requested that the United States:
- remove Uganda from the countries covered by the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension;
- introduce proportionate, risk-based safeguards;
- convene an expedited technical review with Africa CDC and the Uganda Ministry of Health.
The request reflects Uganda’s current epidemiological situation, including the absence of new confirmed cases since 21 June 2026, the discharge of the last confirmed patient and the completion of follow-up for all identified contacts.
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