The United States government has pledged ongoing support to global health initiatives, reaffirming its commitment during the official declaration of the end of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Speaking at the event in Mbale on saturday, the US Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, said outbreaks like Ebola are not just local threats but pose a threat to global stability and public health challenges that require early intervention and collective action.
“By acting early and supporting capable partners like Uganda, we are helping to make America and the world safer from the spread of dangerous infectious diseases,” Amb Popp said.
He also stressed that strengthening public health systems contributes to long-term economic stability and regional security, benefiting all nations.
Popp highlighted the US government's contribution to Uganda’s Ebola response, which included nearly Shillings 29 billion in funding and the deployment of about 75 technical experts from the CDC, USAID, and the US Embassy.
These teams worked closely with Ugandan health officials to strengthen emergency response efforts and prevent the virus from crossing borders.
Te US government through the Department of Health and Human Services donated 10 treatment courses of “cutting-edge” therapeutics_MBP-134 monoclonal antibodies to government of Uganda.
Monocolonal antibodies enhance survival rates for Ebola patients.
500 Ebola rapid antigen diagnostics approved by US government to be validated for use in Uganda in demonstration of the commitment.
The US government also donated 10,000 laboratory test kits and assorted consumables worth Shs2 billion to Uganda, to support recent Mpox diagnostics, among other interventions.
This continued generous contributions despite announcement of global funding cuts by the Trump administration is a testament of the US’s commitment to wards global public health.
The US government through the Department of Health and Human Services donated 10 treatment courses of “cutting-edge” therapeutics_MBP-134 monoclonal antibodies to government of Uganda.
Monocolonal antibodies enhance survival rates for Ebola patients.
Some 500 Ebola rapid antigen diagnostics approved by US government to be validated for use in Uganda.
The US government also donated 10,000 laboratory test kits and assorted consumables worth Shs2 billion to Uganda, to support recent Mpox diagnostics, among other interventions.
This continued generous contributions despite announcement of global funding cuts by the Trump administration is a testament of the US’s commitment to wards global public health.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation’s representative Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu called for renewed global solidarity in responding to public health threats.
He noted that despite growing funding challenges, the fight against diseases like Ebola requires joint efforts across countries and regions.
“No country or community can barely tackle such outbreaks sustainably on its own," said Dr Ihekweazu, the WHO acting Regional Director for Africa.
"Global solidarity is not optional—it is essential. We must continue to share experiences, support each other, and strengthen our collective capacity to respond to health emergencies."
Dr Ihekweazu praised Uganda’s rapid and effective response to the outbreak, describing it as a strong example of leadership, preparedness, and resilience.
He added that Uganda’s success demonstrates the importance of determined leadership and investment in public health systems.