The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan on June 7 to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The initiative seeks to raise US$518 million to support African countries in preparing for, detecting, and responding rapidly to the outbreak.
Covering a six-month period from June to November 2026, the plan brings together governments, partners, and communities under a unified 'One Response' approach. The strategy aims to strengthen emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control measures, clinical care capacity, community engagement efforts, research activities, logistics management, and support for essential health services.
The new continental plan complements national response strategies already launched by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, said: "Ebola moves fast. Africa must move faster. This joint plan gives the continent a clear path to act with speed and unity: to save lives, support the affected countries and protect neighbouring communities. With Member States, WHO and partners, Africa CDC is turning commitment into action and resources into response for the communities at risk."
Key elements of the response include protecting vulnerable populations; strengthening cross-border collaboration; supporting rapid responses in new cases; maintaining support for other ongoing health emergencies such as mpox, cholera and measles; reinforcing public health systems even as acute emergencies are addressed; enhancing screening at points of entry; improving public health measures across borders; mobilizing collective expertise; securing strong political commitment; sustaining investment; fostering close collaboration among stakeholders.
Response operations are accelerating in affected regions such as Democratic Republic of Congo, where authorities—supported by Africa CDC, WHO and partners—are working intensively to contain virus transmission. Implementation activities have already begun across both affected areas and ten priority countries identified as critical for early detection or swift intervention.
Drawing on lessons learned from previous outbreaks—including those involving different species of Ebola—the new joint plan provides a framework not only for current crisis management but also broader efforts aimed at building resilient health systems capable of preventing or mitigating future threats.
