Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo agree to step up cross-border action against Ebola and other outbreaks
After a WHO meeting in Kampala on 4 November 2026, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed a roadmap to speed joint surveillance, testing and response along their shared border.
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have agreed a roadmap to speed up joint surveillance, information sharing and response to Ebola and other outbreak threats after a World Health Organization meeting in Kampala on 4 November 2026.
The meeting reviewed progress on a Memorandum of Understanding the two governments signed in June 2026 and set out practical steps to protect people who live, work and trade across the long border.
WHO says Uganda has supported the establishment of three Ebola treatment units in the health zones of Aru, Chomia and Butembo, with a fourth currently under construction. Uganda has also deployed three mobile laboratories to the Democratic Republic of the Congo that have performed more than 5,000 diagnostic tests over the past three months, WHO reported.
Officials at the Kampala meeting agreed to strengthen routine information exchange, step up joint surveillance at points of entry and in border communities, improve risk communication, deepen laboratory collaboration and tighten emergency response mechanisms. The agreed roadmap aims to accelerate implementation of key MoU provisions, including enhanced cross-border surveillance, coordination mechanisms, data sharing, capacity building and regular monitoring of progress.
"This partnership is ultimately about protecting people. By strengthening collaboration across borders, we are ensuring that diseases are detected earlier, information is shared faster, and responses are more coordinated and effective," said Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Health for Uganda.
"Uganda has stood with the Democratic Republic of the Congo during this outbreak and we recognize the impact of that support, particularly in places like Aru and Butembo. From treatment to diagnostic capacity, this collaboration has helped save lives and shows what can be achieved when neighbours work together with shared purpose," said Prof Steve Ahuka, National Incident Manager and Chair of the Presidential Taskforce. He said the partners want to expand collaboration to jointly evaluate new diagnostics and countermeasures and to strengthen surveillance and community engagement.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, who convened the meeting, said: "An outbreak anywhere can rapidly become a risk elsewhere, requiring strong cross-border cooperation, timely information sharing and coordinated action."
The meeting concluded with agreement on a roadmap to accelerate implementation of key provisions of the June MoU, including enhanced cross-border surveillance, strengthened coordination mechanisms, improved data and information sharing, joint capacity-building initiatives, and regular monitoring of progress against agreed priorities.
Source: WHO regional statement.
Newzroom dot Africa has reached out to Uganda's Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for comment and is awaiting a response. This story will be updated when they respond.
Sources
- WHO Africa: Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo strengthen cross-border collaboration on health security
- afro.who.int
Source: WHO Africa
