The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a six-month preparedness and response plan worth $518 million to tackle the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The initiative, which will run from June to November 2026, adopts a coordinated “One Response” framework aimed at strengthening collaboration among governments, health agencies, development partners, and local communities.
According to the organisations, the response plan focuses on the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and is intended to support outbreak control efforts in affected countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The strategy includes disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, treatment services, risk communication, community engagement, and cross-border coordination. Health authorities say the approach is necessary because Ebola outbreaks can spread rapidly if not detected and contained early.
Speaking on the initiative, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
He said effective outbreak management requires countries and partners to work under a common plan, budget, and operational structure to ensure resources are deployed efficiently.
Similarly, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasised the urgency of swift intervention, noting that Ebola outbreaks can escalate quickly if response efforts are delayed.
The organisations noted that the current outbreak presents additional challenges because there is no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain. As a result, authorities are placing greater emphasis on surveillance, rapid response teams, and community awareness programmes.
The plan also seeks to strengthen health systems and improve preparedness for other public health threats, including cholera and mpox.
Health experts say the coordinated response demonstrates Africa’s growing capacity to address infectious disease outbreaks through partnerships and regional cooperation.
Source: WHO / Africa CDC
_ Deborah Adeyefa
