THE AFRICA CENTRES FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (Africa CDC) and WHO launched a joint continental preparedness plan on the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda on 5th June 2026.
It aims to raise 518 million USD to support African countries, together with partners, to prepare for, rapidly detect, and respond to the outbreak.
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa CDC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 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.”
June to November 2026
The six-month plan, spanning June to November 2026, brings together governments, partners, and communities under a ‘One Response’ approach to strengthen outbreak response measures.
These include emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, research, logistics, and support for essential health services.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland, said: “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.
“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.”
Successful Implementation
The plan focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, boosting cross-border collaboration, and supporting countries to respond quickly to new cases.
There are currently no licensed vaccines or therapeutics approved for the Bundibugyo strain, hence, the plan aims to strengthen health systems to ensure resilience as countries respond to acute health emergencies.
Through the joint preparedness and response plan, Africa is mobilising its collective expertise and resources to reinforce response measures, acting collectively to control the outbreak and protect communities across the region.
Drawing on lessons learned from previous Ebola outbreaks, the plan also provides a pathway to broadly strengthen Africa’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to future health threats while protecting lives and livelihoods.
Its successful implementation will require strong political commitment, sustained investment, and close collaboration among governments, health workers, communities, and partners, WHO reports.
Featured image: Belen B Massieu on Adobe Stock
