In a decisive move to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have jointly launched continental preparedness and response plan.
This ambitious six-month initiative, spanning from June to November 2026, seeks to raise US$518 million to bolster African nations and their partners in their fight against the deadly disease.
The plan, dubbed ‘One Response,’ unites governments, partners, and communities under a singular vision to fortify outbreak response measures.
Key areas of focus include emergency coordination, disease surveillance, advanced laboratory testing, stringent
infection prevention, control protocols, comprehensive clinical care, robust community engagement, critical research, efficient logistics, and unwavering support for essential
health services.
This continental strategy is designed to complement existing national response plans already in motion by the Govts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, where response operations are currently accelerating.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the critical need for collaboration:
“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.”
He further highlighted the indispensable role of community participation, stating, “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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, issued a rallying cry: “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.”
He affirmed Africa CDC’s commitment to translating resources into tangible action for at-risk communities.
A crucial aspect of the plan is its focus on safeguarding vulnerable populations, enhancing cross-border collaboration, and empowering countries to swiftly address new cases.
In the absence of licensed vaccines or therapeutics specifically approved for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, the initiative underscores the importance of strengthening health systems to ensure resilience amidst acute health emergencies.
Preparedness and response activities are already underway across affected and at-risk countries, with 10 priority nations intensifying critical measures for early detection and rapid response.
The plan also ensures continued support for other ongoing health emergencies, such as mpox, cholera, and measles, preventing disruptions to vital response efforts and fostering stronger, more resilient health systems.
This unified effort showcases the continent’s collective expertise and resources, reinforcing response measures to control the outbreak and protect communities throughout the
region.
Its successful implementation hinges on strong political commitment, sustained investment, and close collaboration among governments, healthcare professionals, communities, and partners.
Drawing on invaluable lessons from past Ebola outbreaks and recent public health crises, this plan not only addresses the immediate threat but also paves the way for broadly strengthens Africa’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to future health challenges, thereby protecting lives and livelihoods across the continent.
