As Uganda grapples with its sixth outbreak of the Sudan virus disease, a severe and potentially fatal viral hemorrhagic fever belonging to the same family as Ebola, the implications of international aid policies are increasingly coming into focus. The Sudan virus disease outbreaks pose significant public health challenges, and the current situation is particularly dire.

Since the beginning of the year, Uganda has reported 12 confirmed cases of the Sudan virus, with two fatalities thus far. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Uganda's healthcare resources are considerably more limited than those available during previous outbreaks. Laboratories are operating under severe constraints, and health teams are overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the rising number of cases.

Ugandan Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng has voiced concern over the diminishing support from international partners, stating, “Many of us are very much aware that our partners are withdrawing, so partner funding is dwindling. The best message ever is prevention.” She emphasized the urgent need for preventative measures to curb the spread of the virus, urging everyone to take proactive steps in addressing health crises.

This crisis in Uganda is not occurring in isolation. In January, the administration of former President Donald Trump implemented a near-total freeze on programs of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of a broader strategy to reduce overseas spending. USAID, established in 1961, plays a critical role in coordinating foreign assistance and has historically contributed significantly to public health initiatives across Africa.

The freeze has had immediate repercussions on the continent's ability to respond to emerging health threats, including the battle against various hemorrhagic fevers. For instance, in neighboring Tanzania, the Marburg virus—another deadly hemorrhagic fever—has claimed the lives of ten individuals, further highlighting the urgent need for robust international health support.

Healthcare experts are increasingly worried that the withdrawal of U.S. aid and the subsequent decline in information-sharing could lead to the emergence and rapid spread of viral outbreaks during a time when global cooperation is crucial. Moffat Nyirenda, a professor of medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, articulated this concern, stating, “What might start as a pandemic here can easily spread to other parts of the world—as we saw with the COVID-19 pandemic.” He cautioned against a narrow focus on national interests, suggesting that, while it may seem practical in the short term, such an approach could pose significant risks in the long term.

The ongoing health crises in Uganda and Tanzania serve as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global health. As nations navigate the complexities of infectious diseases, the need for sustained international collaboration and support becomes increasingly apparent.