Nairobi: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a stark warning regarding the increasing risk of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) spreading beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The outbreak, originating from the Ituri province, poses a significant threat due to the area’s high population mobility, insecurity, and intense cross-border connections, particularly with Uganda. In response, the Africa CDC is calling for urgent and coordinated action to prevent further spread and to protect regional and continental health security.
According to African Press Organization, both the DRC and Uganda have officially declared Ebola outbreaks. In line with the Africa CDC’s mandate, the organization has taken the lead in coordinating the response across the region. This involves working closely with affected countries and partners to ensure timely support and action. The Africa CDC has commended the DRC and Uganda for their ongoing efforts to manage the situa
tion and has extended its support to South Sudan, given its geographical proximity to the affected area.
On May 16, 2026, the Africa CDC convened a high-level consultative meeting with over 130 participants, including representatives from affected and at-risk countries, donor partners, United Nations agencies, humanitarian organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. The meeting recommended the immediate activation of the continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) to coordinate efforts in surveillance, laboratory systems, case management, infection prevention, risk communication, logistics, and rapid response operations.
In accordance with Article 12 of the Africa CDC Statute, consultations have been held with key figures, including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, and the Chair of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group, to assess the risk and potential need for declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (P
HECS). Further engagement with political leaders such as the President of Burundi and the President of South Africa is underway to ensure continental solidarity and guidance.
To prioritize the response efforts, the Director General of Africa CDC has canceled engagements in Geneva and plans to visit the affected countries to support national authorities and reinforce collective action. Africa CDC remains committed to collaborating with Member States and partners to protect lives, contain the outbreak, and enhance Africa’s health security and preparedness.