KAMPALA — Global cryptocurrency and blockchain company Binance has committed $125,000 (about Shs460 million) to support frontline Ebola response efforts in Uganda through the Uganda Red Cross Society, as health authorities and humanitarian agencies work to contain the outbreak.
The funding will support emergency interventions in affected and high-risk communities, including public awareness campaigns, community engagement, contact tracing support, disease surveillance, risk communication, and the provision of protective equipment and essential supplies for frontline responders.
The contribution comes as Uganda continues to strengthen measures aimed at preventing further transmission of the virus, with health workers and humanitarian organizations intensifying outreach and surveillance activities in vulnerable communities.
According to Binance, a significant portion of the funding will be directed toward improving response capacity in underserved and high-risk areas where access to public health information and emergency services remains limited.
Richard Teng, Chief Executive Officer of Binance, said the donation was intended to support frontline responders and communities facing the effects of the outbreak.
“Communities across Africa continue to show extraordinary resilience in the face of complex challenges, but frontline responders should not have to face crises like this alone,” Teng said.
“The Uganda Red Cross Society is playing a vital role in supporting communities, raising awareness and strengthening outbreak response efforts. We are proud to support their work as they help protect vulnerable populations and deliver critical assistance where it is needed most.”
The Uganda Red Cross Society welcomed the support, describing it as a timely contribution that will help strengthen emergency operations and community-based interventions.
Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General of the Uganda Red Cross Society, said the funding would enable the organization to expand its reach and improve response efforts in communities at risk.
“Strong partnerships are essential during public health emergencies,” Kwesiga said.
“The support from Binance comes at a critical time and will help us respond more rapidly, reach more at-risk communities, and reinforce the frontline services needed to help contain the outbreak and save lives.”
The Ebola outbreak has placed additional pressure on health systems and local communities, prompting a coordinated response involving government agencies, humanitarian organizations and international health partners.
Beyond emergency response activities, the funding is also expected to support community education and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing transmission risks and improving preparedness in affected areas.
The donation reflects Binance’s growing engagement in social impact initiatives across Africa, where the company has invested in programmes focused on digital skills development, financial inclusion, education and community empowerment.
By extending support to Uganda’s Ebola response, the company joins a broader network of private sector organizations contributing resources to public health and humanitarian interventions during disease outbreaks.
Health experts have repeatedly emphasized that effective outbreak control depends not only on medical interventions but also on strong community engagement, public awareness and rapid response mechanisms at the local level.
The Uganda Red Cross Society is expected to deploy the funds toward ongoing field operations as efforts continue to prevent the spread of the disease and support affected communities.