The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have unveiled a joint continental preparedness and response strategy to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus. The initiative seeks to mobilize US$ 518 million to help African nations, alongside partners, strengthen readiness, accelerate detection and mount an effective response to the outbreak.

Spanning six months from June through November 2026, the plan unites governments, development partners and communities under a coordinated “One Response” framework. It is designed to reinforce critical outbreak control pillars such as emergency coordination, surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, clinical management, community outreach, research, logistics, and the continuity of essential health services.

This continental strategy aligns with and supports the national response plans already initiated by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

“Defeating this outbreak requires strong collaboration under the leadership of affected countries, guided by one clear approach: one plan, one budget, one team,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Stopping Ebola demands political will, reliable financing and, most importantly, community trust and participation. When communities are fully engaged, contact tracing improves, care is delivered safely and transmission chains are broken.”

Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the urgency of collective action: “Ebola spreads rapidly, and Africa must respond even faster. This joint strategy provides a practical roadmap for swift, united action to protect lives, assist impacted nations and safeguard neighbouring countries. Working with Member States, WHO and partners, Africa CDC is transforming commitments into concrete results for communities facing risk.”

The plan places particular emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable groups, reinforcing cross-border coordination and ensuring that countries can quickly identify and manage new cases. In the absence of licensed vaccines or targeted treatments specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain, the strategy also focuses on strengthening health systems so they remain resilient while addressing acute emergencies.

Preparedness and response measures are already being implemented in affected and high-risk countries. In addition, ten priority countries are intensifying key public health actions to bolster emergency readiness, improve early detection and guarantee rapid intervention where needed.

Recognizing the broader health landscape, the plan underscores the importance of sustaining efforts against other ongoing health threats, including mpox, cholera and measles. Maintaining momentum in these areas is essential to avoid setbacks and to continue building stronger, more resilient health systems.

This unified approach comes as response activities intensify in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. National authorities, supported by Africa CDC, WHO and partners, are expanding interventions aimed at containing the virus and bringing the outbreak under control.

Africa CDC and WHO are calling on Member States to enhance screening and public health measures at points of entry, strengthen cross-border cooperation and demonstrate solidarity in delivering a timely, evidence-based response.

Through this joint preparedness and response framework, the continent is pooling expertise, resources and leadership to reinforce outbreak control efforts and protect communities. Its success will depend on sustained political commitment, reliable investment and close collaboration among governments, frontline health workers, communities and partners.

Building on lessons from previous Ebola outbreaks and other recent public health crises, the plan also lays the groundwork for stronger long-term capacity across Africa to prevent, detect and respond to future health threats, while safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

About Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) serves as the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, it supports Member States in strengthening health systems, advancing disease surveillance and improving emergency preparedness and response capacities. In partnership with Member States, regional bodies and other stakeholders, Africa CDC works to prevent, detect and respond swiftly and effectively to health threats across the continent.

About WHO

Committed to promoting well-being for all and guided by scientific evidence, the World Health Organization leads global efforts to ensure that every person has the opportunity to live a safe and healthy life.

As the United Nations agency for health, WHO connects countries, partners and frontline communities in more than 150 locations. It coordinates international responses to health emergencies, works to prevent disease, addresses underlying health challenges and expands access to essential medicines and care. Its mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve vulnerable populations.

“Together for health. Stand with science” — the theme of World Health Day 2026 — highlights a year-long campaign recognizing science as the cornerstone of protecting and advancing health worldwide.