UN Appeals for $11.2 Million to Combat Uganda's Ebola Outbreak

Uganda is currently facing an Ebola outbreak linked to the highly contagious Sudan strain, with 12 confirmed cases and two fatalities reported, including a four-year-old child. Following significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid, which have put strain on the national health budget, the United Nations has launched an urgent appeal for $11.2 million to support Uganda's response efforts. The U.S. previously contributed $34 million during the last outbreak, but funding was drastically reduced under the Trump administration, leading to a weakened health response. Health workers in Uganda have expressed concerns over the lack of restored funding, even as government officials claim collaboration with U.S. agencies continues. The UN's funding plan aims to address both the public health crisis and its socio-economic impacts in seven high-risk districts. The situation highlights the vulnerabilities of Uganda's health sector due to its reliance on foreign aid.