The United States has strengthened Uganda’s fight against possible Ebola outbreaks after delivering an experimental antibody treatment to the Ministry of Health as fears of cross-border transmission from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continue to grow.The medical supplies, containing the investigational Ebola treatment MBP134, were handed over to Uganda’s health authorities for emergency preparedness. Dr Charles Ayume, Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, received the treatment on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Uganda has not recorded any active Ebola cases, but health officials remain vigilant due to an ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease in the DRC. The close movement of people between border communities has increased the need for stronger surveillance and rapid response measures.The US government said the DRC outbreak had become one of the most serious Ebola outbreaks recorded outside West Africa, with more than 4,500 confirmed cases and over 2,000 deaths reported by mid-August 2026.MBP134, developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical with support from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), is designed to help the body fight Ebola by identifying and neutralising virus particles. Studies conducted before human trials showed the treatment had activity against several Ebola species, including Bundibugyo virus.Unlike vaccines that are mainly used to prevent infections, antibody treatments are intended to provide immediate support to the immune system or assist patients after infection occurs.
However, MBP134 remains an experimental treatment and is not yet approved for commercial use.US Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley said the donation was part of efforts to ensure Uganda is prepared to respond quickly if Ebola enters the country. He stressed that disease outbreaks in one nation can quickly become a regional concern.The delivery adds to longstanding US support for Ebola response efforts in Uganda and across the region. The United States said it has committed more than $619 million towards Ebola response activities, while Uganda continues strengthening border monitoring, health surveillance, and emergency preparedness.
