Kigali: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a critical alert regarding the escalating risk of regional spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) stemming from Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The affected area, known for its high population mobility and cross-border connectivity with countries like Uganda, underscores the necessity for a coordinated continental approach to curb the outbreak and protect regional health security.
According to African Press Organization, both the DRC and Uganda declared Ebola outbreaks on the same day, prompting Africa CDC to assume leadership in orchestrating a comprehensive response at the regional and continental levels. The agency commended the efforts of the DRC and Uganda in managing the outbreaks and expressed support for South Sudan in its preparedness initiatives. Africa CDC is committed to collaborating with partners to deliver timely support to affected and at-risk nations.
On May 16, 2026, Africa CDC convened a high-level consultative meeting with over 130 participants, including representatives from affected and at-risk countries, donor partners, and key stakeholders. The meeting recommended activating the continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) to enhance coordination across various response aspects such as surveillance, laboratory systems, case management, and cross-border collaboration.
In response to these developments, consultations were held with prominent figures, including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Director-General of the World Health Organization. Additionally, the Chair of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group was requested to provide technical guidance on the evolving situation and the potential need for a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security declaration.
The Director General of Africa CDC has canceled engagements in Geneva to focus on the continental response and plans to visit affected countries to support national authorities and partners. Africa CDC remains dedicated to working with Member States and partners to manage the outbreak and reinforce Africa's health security and preparedness.