Health officials are concerned that the Trump administration’s suspension of USAID funding will worsen the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
The outbreak began when a nurse in Kampala contracted the Sudan virus, resulting in six confirmed and six suspected cases. The virus has a fatality rate of at least 41%, with no FDA-approved treatment.
The funding cuts have disrupted global health efforts, delaying essential aid and causing uncertainty among health nonprofits. The suspension has also led to understaffing in Uganda’s contact tracing and screening operations.
Over a dozen Americans in Uganda have been exposed to the virus but have shown no symptoms. The freeze on aid has also resulted in the US severing ties with the WHO, which plays a key role in managing Uganda’s response.
In response, Uganda’s Health Ministry urged staff to volunteer in the absence of foreign aid. Starting Friday, USAID’s direct-hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally.
