Japan to Strengthen Ebola Response Through Grant
The Government of Japan has announced an emergency grant of USD 500,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to strengthen Ebola response efforts in Uganda, as the country works to contain the ongoing outbreak and prevent further spread.
The funding will support the Uganda Red Cross Society to scale up lifesaving interventions in affected and high-risk areas, including community engagement, surveillance, and frontline public health response.
With support from IFRC, Uganda Red Cross volunteers are already mobilized in communities to raise awareness about Ebola prevention, counter misinformation, and promote early care-seeking for suspected symptoms. The new funding will enable expanded outreach and intensified response activities at a critical moment in the outbreak.
Scaling up Community-Based Response
Key interventions supported through this funding include:
• Community awareness campaigns to promote safe practices and dispel misinformation
• Deployment of trained volunteers for contact tracing and monitoring of suspected cases
• Support to treatment and isolation centres in high-risk areas
• Procurement and distribution of personal protective equipment and hygiene supplies
• Provision of psychosocial support to affected individuals and families
• Strengthening surveillance and early warning systems to detect new cases
These efforts are essential to breaking chains of transmission and ensuring communities have access to timely, accurate information and support.
Funding to enable expanded outreach and intensified response activities in Uganda.
A Strengthened Partnership for Urgent Action
The Japan-funded response highlights the importance of international solidarity in addressing public health emergencies and reinforces the longstanding partnership between Japan, the Uganda Red Cross Society, and IFRC.
Uganda Red Cross continues to play a central role in the national Ebola response, working closely with government health authorities to deliver community-based interventions and support frontline health services.
IFRC is coordinating efforts to mobilize additional resources and provide technical support to ensure a sustained and effective response.
Leadership Perspectives
Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General of Uganda Red Cross Society, said:
“We deeply appreciate Japan’s timely and generous support during this critical period. This funding will significantly strengthen our capacity to contain Ebola, protect communities, and deliver lifesaving assistance to those most at risk. It reflects the strength of our partnership and shared commitment to saving lives.”
Louise Daintrey-Hall, IFRC Head of Country Office, Uganda, said:
“ Ebola outbreaks begin and end in communities, and it is Red Cross volunteers who stand at the heart of this response. Japan’s contribution will strengthen the Uganda Red Cross to scale up lifesaving work, helping communities protect themselves and stop the spread of Ebola.”
Sustained Commitment to Health Security
The Government of Japan’s support reflects the importance of multilateral collaboration in advancing global health security and strengthening preparedness and response capacities in vulnerable regions.
As the outbreak evolves, sustained funding and coordinated action remain critical to expanding surveillance, supporting frontline responders, and ensuring communities are equipped with the tools and information needed to prevent further spread.
Key Contacts / Media Contacts:
In Kampala:
Irene Nakasiita, Uganda Red Cross, +256 774 382 583, inakasiita@redcrossug.org
Ito Idomu, Embassy of Japan, +256 752 734 482, idomu.ito@mofa.go.jp
In Nairobi:
Susan Mbalu, IFRC, +254 733 827 654, susan.mbalu@ifrc.org
Timothy Maina, IFRC, +254 110 848 161, timothy.maina@ifrc.org
