New York, Sept. 4 -- When Ebola crossed the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda in May, health officials had little time to act. The virus is highly dangerous and contagious, spreading quickly across regions unless intensive action is taken.

Last week, the World Health Organization declared Uganda Ebola-free after 42 days with no cases since the last patient was discharged. How did Uganda mobilize so quickly and stop Ebola from gaining a foothold? Margaret Nagawa, Health and Nutrition Coordinator for Action Against Hunger Uganda, explains how rapid coordination, preparedness, and a swift public health response helped contain the outbreak.

A: No. Within 72 hours of the first alert of a case in Kampala, existing...