East Africa looks to Uganda in fight against epidemics

With the rise in frequency of disease outbreaks in East Africa, regional health bodies are looking to Uganda’s success in epidemic response as a model worth emulating.

The World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), have launched a regional training programme aimed at strengthening countries’ capacity to respond to, monitor, and manage public health emergencies.

In recent years, countries in East Africa have grappled with outbreaks of Monkeypox, Ebola, Marburg virus, among others, triggering public concern and testing national health systems.

According to Dr Allan Muruta, commissioner for Integrated Epidemiology, Surveillance and Public Health Emergencies at the ministry of Health, the new training programme focuses on building practical, hands-on skills in outbreak response.

“The goal is to move from theory to practice,” Dr Muruta said.

“When you read, you forget. When you do, you remember. We are focusing on real-life experience — what must be known and done so that when the next outbreak happens, our response is faster and more effective.”

Uganda has earned praise for its swift and coordinated response to epidemics. During the 2022 Ebola outbreak, the virus was contained within 69 days. In the most recent outbreak, declared on January 30, 2025, the disease which had spread to major cities including Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale was brought under control by April 25.

“We were able to contain it in under three months, which is commendable,” Dr Muruta noted. “We have well-established response structures and remain well-coordinated during outbreaks.”

Uganda regularly conducts simulation exercises in partnership with international agencies and targets regions most at risk. The ongoing regional training includes participants from eight countries, including South Sudan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda.

A notable innovation in Uganda’s response toolkit is the introduction of inflatable mobile ICU treatment units. These portable facilities are designed to offer intensive care even in remote locations.

“Previously, accessing ICU services during outbreaks in hard-to-reach areas was extremely difficult,” said Muruta.

“This new facility is a game-changer, not just for Uganda, but for other countries in the region.”

Dr Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, regional director for Africa CDC Eastern Africa, said the simulation exercise aims to harmonise outbreak responses across countries.

“Over the years, we’ve seen that some countries have stronger capacities — in terms of workforce, systems, and infrastructure – while others lag behind,” Mazaba said.

“Regardless of where they stand, we’ve brought these countries together to review the core pillars of emergency public health response.”

Uganda was chosen to host the training due to its proven track record in handling major outbreaks like Ebola and Mpox. Its expertise is expected to ripple across the region.

“Those trained here will go on to form national and sub-national training teams in their respective countries,” said Mazaba. “The aim is to build a network of professionals who are better prepared for future outbreaks.”