On March 13, 2025, the Mbale Clinical Research Institute (MCRI), through the IDEA Fellowship Program, hosted the Ebola Outbreak Conference 2025, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and researchers to advance strategies for Ebola preparedness and response.
🔹 Key Highlights:
✅ Revising EVD Nomenclature:
Prof. Peter Olupot-Olupot led discussions on reducing stigma in Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) terminology, proposing alternative names such as:
🔸 Filoviral Haemorrhagic Fever (FHF)
🔸 Severe Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (SVHF)
🔸 Viral Haemorrhagic Fever subtypes Z, S, or B – aligning with WHO standards.
✅ Enhancing Outbreak Detection:
Dr. Bwire Godfrey and Dr. Okiror William, moderated by Prof. Duncan Banks (Open University, UK), emphasized the role of:
🔸 Real-time data tracking
🔸 Early warning systems
🔸 Advanced diagnostics in containing Ebola outbreaks.
✅ Quarantine & Vaccine Trials:
Dr. Mulongo Muhamed and Prof. Pauline Byakika (VC, Mbarara University), facilitated by Prof. Saphina Biira, discussed:
🔸 Effective quarantine interventions
🔸 Ongoing clinical trials for Ebola vaccines and treatments.
✅ Training & Capacity Building:
Prof. Paul Waako highlighted the IDEA Fellowship Program’s success in training 17 epidemiologists in surveillance and outbreak response, advocating for regional program expansion.
✅ Strategic Funding & Policy Reforms:
Dr. Alex Ario and Dr. Thomas Nyirenda showcased EDCTP 1-3 program achievements, emphasizing:
🔸 Needs assessments for capacity building
🔸 Securing strategic funding opportunities
Dr. Ocero Andrew and Prof. Okware Sam, moderated by Prof. Saphina, stressed policy reforms and strategic partnerships to close funding gaps.
🔹 Moving Forward
In his closing remarks, Prof. Olupot-Olupot urged participants to translate discussions into action and acknowledged Sarah Racheal Akello for leading the organizing committee.
A final report with actionable recommendations will be published soon, and participants were encouraged to engage with the Global Ebola Research Network (GERN).
📢 Stay tuned for more updates! #EbolaPreparedness #MCRI #PublicHealth #IDEAFellowship.
