Migrant health during public health emergencies: The Ebola crisis in Uganda

The Ebola virus diseases (EVD) declared in Uganda in September 22, 2022, has spread to seven districts by early November, with a total of 131 confirmed cases and 48 deaths. Public health emergency response in Uganda deserves a specific and tailored approach due to the current population composition, which accounts to around 1.4 million refugees and asylum seekers. Indeed, Uganda is a potential example of how increased international connectivity has resulted in forced migration with profound impacts on global health. In consideration of the vulnerability of refugees and migrants due to poor living, housing, and working conditions, inclusive policies are even more critical during public health emergencies. Inclusivity lessons learned from COVID-19 in several settings, such as access to treatment and vaccination for all individuals regardless of nationality, residence, and legal status, would be critical to ensure wellbeing of migrants, refugees and host communities.

Automated summary

The Ebola virus outbreak in Uganda, declared in September 22, 2022, has rapidly spread to seven districts by early November, resulting in 131 confirmed cases and 48 deaths. Given the significant population of refugees and asylum seekers in Uganda, tailored public health emergency responses are vital. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of inclusive policies, such as equal access to treatment and vaccination for all individuals, regardless of nationality or legal status, to safeguard the well-being of migrants, refugees, and host communities.