Uganda has discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient, initiating a 42-day countdown toward declaring the outbreak officially over.
The patient, a Congolese national, was released from Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
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The World Health Organization requires no new cases during this period for Uganda to be declared Ebola-free.
The outbreak resulted in 20 confirmed infections and two fatalities.
Travel Restrictions and Economic Concerns
Despite progress, 15 countries continue to impose travel restrictions on Uganda, affecting tourism and trade.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi expressed concern, stating, "As we make progress in managing this disease, we are engaging and asking those countries with a view to opening up so that the economy does not get injured."
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Baryomunsi clarified that Uganda is not yet Ebola-free, as WHO requires two consecutive 21-day incubation periods without new cases.
He noted, "This is an imported outbreak.
We remain on high alert because what we are celebrating here is different from what is happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo."
Regional Context
As of July 14, the DRC reported a rise in cases to 2,073, with 796 deaths, highlighting ongoing regional risk.
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The DRC outbreak, attributed to the Bundibugyo strain, was first declared by WHO on May 17.
