The last patient being treated for Ebola in Uganda has been discharged from hospital, marking a significant milestone in the country's fight against the deadly disease.
The patient's discharge comes after a 42-day countdown, during which no new infections are expected to emerge. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, mostly among visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the outbreak's epicentre is located.
According to government data, over 2,000 confirmed infections and 796 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described the discharge as a 'moment of joy', highlighting the importance of early detection and a strong health system in defeating Ebola.
Uganda has experienced several Ebola outbreaks in the past two decades and has well-established protocols in place to deal with the virus, including isolation of suspected cases and contact tracing.
The authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are still battling to bring the spread of the virus under control, with some estimates suggesting that the true number of infections could be four times larger than recorded.
The World Health Organization has warned that the virus could have been spreading undetected in the community for months, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and efforts to control the outbreak.