DRC Ebola outbreak remains active as death toll reaches 3,779 – Africa CDC

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged $10 million to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa, as it simultaneously lifted travel restrictions for Ugandan citizens following the declaration of the outbreak as over. The announcement was made during an international conference convened by the United States at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where global leaders convened to discuss the outbreak and coordinate the international response.

The contribution was facilitated by the UAE Aid Agency, under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed. Dr Tareq Al Ameri, chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, highlighted the gesture as a reflection of the country's humanitarian mission and its responsibility to safeguard communities from the threat of disease.

The UAE has already dispatched more than 150 tonnes of aid to affected regions, which includes protective gear, infection-control materials, and food supplies, benefiting approximately 280 healthcare facilities. Dr Al Ameri urged the international community to expedite its response and bolster health systems' capacity for prevention, early detection, and effective intervention.

The funding arrives amid the continued spread of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is causing apprehension regarding the potential scale of humanitarian and health consequences across the region.

Uganda had previously imposed entry restrictions for Ugandan citizens in June due to the Ebola outbreak that had been declared over. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, announced the easing of these measures.

Precautionary entry restrictions are still in place for travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. Ncema stated that these measures would be modified as needed in accordance with evolving risk assessments and internationally approved public health standards.

The Ebola virus, known for causing severe hemorrhagic fever, has intermittently impacted various parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda has encountered multiple outbreaks over the past two decades.