Africa CDC and WHO Launch Joint Bundibugyo Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, seeking $518 million to support coordinated efforts across African nations. The six-month initiative, spanning June to November 2026, aims to strengthen emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement under a unified “One Response” approach, according to a statement from the agencies.

The plan complements national response strategies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, where the outbreak has been most active. “The only way to beat this outbreak is through close partnership, working together under the leadership of the affected countries in one coordinated effort,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Containing Ebola depends on political commitment, sustained financing, and the trust and engagement of communities. This plan places communities at the centre, because without their participation, contact tracing falters, safe care is delayed, and transmission continues.”

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the urgency of the crisis, stating, “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.” The initiative prioritizes protecting vulnerable populations, enhancing cross-border collaboration, and ensuring rapid response to new cases. With no licensed vaccines or therapeutics specifically approved for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, the plan focuses on bolstering health systems to withstand acute emergencies.

Implementation of preparedness activities has already begun in affected and at-risk countries, with 10 priority nations receiving targeted support to strengthen public health emergency preparedness. The plan also underscores the need to maintain funding for other ongoing health crises, such as mpox, cholera, and measles, to avoid disrupting critical response efforts. “This coordinated effort comes as response operations accelerate in the DRC, where authorities, with support from Africa CDC, WHO, and partners, are ramping up efforts to curb the spread of the virus and end the outbreak,” the statement noted.

Africa CDC and WHO have urged Member States to enhance screening measures at points of entry and improve cross-border coordination to ensure a timely, evidence-based response. The agencies highlighted that the plan’s success hinges on “strong political commitment, sustained investment, and close collaboration among governments, health workers, communities, and partners.” Drawing on lessons from previous Ebola outbreaks and recent public health emergencies, the initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to future health threats while safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

The Africa CDC, a public health agency of the African Union, supports member states in strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing emergency preparedness. The WHO, a UN agency, leads global efforts to promote health, prevent disease, and address health inequities. Both organizations reiterated their commitment to the theme of World Health Day 2026—“Together for health. Stand with science”—emphasizing the role of scientific evidence in protecting global well-being.