Uganda has received an antibody treatment from the United States that could help prevent Ebola patients from developing severe disease and dying, strengthening the country’s preparedness against a possible resurgence of the virus.
The treatment, known as MBP134, was handed over to the Ministry of Health as Uganda completed its 42-day Ebola-free countdown and was declared free of active Ebola cases.
The US Mission in Uganda said today that MBP134, developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical under a contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), can recognise and neutralise Ebola virus more quickly than the body’s natural immune response.
The treatment has shown effectiveness against several Ebola species in pre-clinical studies, including the Bundibugyo species, which caused Uganda’s recent outbreak.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley says the treatment was intended to ensure Uganda can respond quickly if the virus crosses the border again.
Dr. Charles Ayume, Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, received the treatment on behalf of the Ministry and describes it as a critical safeguard for Ugandan families.
The United States says the preparedness measure is particularly important because Ebola remains a disease for which there are limited approved treatment options for some species.
By URN
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