Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan on the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.The plan launched on Friday aims to raise US$ 518 million to support African countries prepare for, rapidly detect and respond to the outbreak.
According to a statement, the six-month plan, covering June to November 2026, brings together governments, communities and donors under a unified ‘One Response’ approach to strengthen outbreak response measures, including emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, research, logistics and support for essential health services. The plan complements national response plans launched by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Uganda.
“The only way to beat this outbreak is through close partnership, working together under the leadership of the affected countries in one coordinated effort, guided by a simple principle: one plan, one budget, one team,” 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.”
On his part, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, said the joint plan gives the continent a clear path to act with speed and unity to save lives, support the affected countries and protect neighboring communities.
The plan also focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and supporting countries to respond quickly to new cases. At a time when there are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics specifically approved for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, the plan aims to strengthen health systems to ensure resilience even as countries respond to acute health emergencies.
The launched plan covers 10 priority countries where according to the statement implementation work has already started and measures are being strengthened to enhance public health emergency preparedness and ensure early detection.
The two organizations have urged Member States to strengthen screening and public health measures at points of entry and enhance cross-border coordination and solidarity to support a timely, effective and evidence-based response to the outbreak.
The plan emphasizes the need to maintain support for other ongoing health emergencies, including mpox, cholera and measles, to prevent disruptions to critical response efforts and safeguard progress towards stronger, more resilient health systems-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
