According to a press statement signed by Dr. Jane Ruth, the Health Minister and Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldermariam, the World Health Organization (WHO) country representative to Uganda shows that Uganda has completed the mandatory 42 days a country is supposed to be declared Ebola-free once there is no new case from the time of confirmation of the first one in Kasese District.
“The Ministry of Health reiterates that Uganda is safe and all national and international travelers are free to travel to and within the country. All places of tourists attraction including national parks in Western Uganda are safe, open and secure for both local and international tourists,” reads the statement.
According to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, Movements of people from one place to another within the country and between countries are not restricted during disease outbreaks.
“There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Kasese district or in any other part of the country, however, the outbreak continues to escalate in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) with which Uganda shares a long and porous border. This, therefore, means Uganda is still under EVD threat and the Ministry of Health remains on high alert for any eventualities,” Notes Dr. Aceng, the health minister.
Though the country has been declared free, the ministry of health will continue to implement different measures to detect any possible Ebola importation.
All travelers from Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) are being screened at the Health desk at Entebbe International Airport and at all border entry points in high-risk districts.
“Surveillance is ongoing throughout the country with emphasis on the high-risk districts like Arua and Kasese. Travelers are requested to cooperate with the immigration, health and security officials to ensure effective screening at all entry points,” noted Emmanuel Ainebyona, the ministry spokesperson,