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Muthoni highlighted community health systems as a critical line of defence against disease outbreaks, arguing that effective surveillance begins at the grassroots level rather than in laboratories
So far, two patients have recovered and been discharged from treatment centres. However, one death has been recorded since the outbreak was confirmed, adding urgency to ongoing response measures by health teams.
In a statement on Sunday, the regional bloc said the Extra-Ordinary Virtual Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for Health will deliberate on measures aimed at containing the outbreak and strengthening preparedness among member states.
Uganda has already recorded seven cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola since the outbreak was first detected in the DRC on May 15.
The final squad includes Dennis Omollo, Nicholas Matui, Denis Esokon, Moses Kamau, Levis Ogutu, Brian Kamonde, Wilson Cheruiyot, Simon Kipkorir, Peter Kamara, Elphas Makuto, Hudson Kipchumba, Stephen Barack, Kelvin Maiyo and Brian Melly.
Director General of Health Services Prof Charles Olaro said the infections were confirmed after laboratory testing and that the patients are currently receiving treatment. A sample was collected and tested for Ebola Virus Disease, with results later returning positive.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said nearly 750 suspected Ebola cases and 177 suspected deaths had been recorded, cautioning that the situation remained fluid as surveillance and laboratory testing continued to improve.
Inside the country, stricter controls have been introduced in high-risk border areas. Weekly markets in border sub-counties have been suspended, while cultural events and celebrations that usually attract large crowds in districts along the Uganda-DRC border have also been stopped temporarily.
The ministry said no Ebola case has been detected in Kenya so far, but warned that increased regional movement of people and goods raises the risk of cross-border transmission.
According to the Deputy President, Kenya is keen on expanding collaboration with Uganda in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and regional security to boost economic growth and improve livelihoods.
The 2027 tournament also marks a significant return of Africa’s premier football competition to the East African region for the first time in over five decades, since Ethiopia hosted the event in 1976.
The group comprises nationals from a wide range of countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia, highlighting the international scope of the operation.