The World Health Organization (WHO) is intensifying efforts to assist Uganda in managing the outbreak of Sudan virus disease, a deadly illness with a high fatality rate.

WHO has allocated US$1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to accelerate its response, while preparing to deliver medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi.

Sudan virus disease, a severe illness in humans and primates, belongs to the same family as Ebola and is caused by the Orthoebolavirus sudanense.

The disease was first identified in Uganda in 2022, and this marks its latest outbreak.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, welcomed Uganda’s swift declaration of the outbreak and emphasised the importance of rapid action.

"Uganda’s robust expertise in responding to public health emergencies will be crucial in ending this outbreak effectively," Moeti said.

She further confirmed that WHO is deploying senior public health experts and mobilising staff from its country office to support key response measures, particularly in densely populated areas where the outbreak was first detected.

While there are no licensed vaccines for Sudan virus disease, WHO is coordinating with vaccine developers to deploy candidate vaccines once all necessary approvals are secured.

"The vaccines will be deployed once all administrative and regulatory approvals are obtained," WHO said.

The outbreak response follows the tragic death of a nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.

The 32-year-old nurse, who had been seeking treatment for fever, was later confirmed to have Ebola, specifically the Sudan strain.

"Post-mortem testing confirmed he had the Sudan strain," said Uganda’s Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Diana Atwine.

Health authorities have identified at least 45 contacts of the deceased, including 30 health workers, who are now under close monitoring.

.Uganda has launched an immediate vaccination campaign against Ebola for all contacts of the deceased.

At present, no other health workers or patients at Mulago Hospital have shown symptoms of the disease.

Sudan virus outbreaks have previously been reported in Uganda and Sudan, with fatality rates ranging from 41 per cent to 100 per cent.

Although no approved treatments or vaccines exist, early supportive care has proven to reduce mortality significantly.

WHO's support continues to be a crucial part of Uganda's efforts to contain and end this outbreak swiftly.