Ebola Outbreak: Africa CDC Activates Continental Response to Mitigate Regional Spread
On May 15, 2026, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) issued a critical alert regarding the escalating risk of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak originating from Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This warning was directed not only at the African continent but also at the global community, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Context of the Outbreak
The Ituri province is marked by high population mobility, insecurity, and significant cross-border interactions with neighboring countries, particularly Uganda. These factors contribute to the heightened risk of the virus spreading beyond the initial outbreak zone. The Africa CDC emphasized the necessity for a unified response to safeguard both regional and continental health security.
On the same day, both the DRC and Uganda officially declared Ebola outbreaks within their borders. According to the Africa CDC’s mandate, the agency takes on a leadership role in coordinating responses when an outbreak affects multiple Member States, facilitating collaboration among various partners.
Support for Affected Nations
The Director of Africa CDC commended the governments of the DRC and Uganda for their ongoing efforts to manage the outbreaks. He also expressed support for South Sudan, which is geographically adjacent to Ituri province, in enhancing its preparedness measures. The Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure timely and effective support for all affected and at-risk nations.
On May 16, 2026, following the confirmation of the outbreaks, Africa CDC convened a high-level consultative meeting. This gathering included over 130 participants from affected and at-risk countries, donor partners such as the USA, UK, and the European Union, as well as representatives from various United Nations agencies, humanitarian organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other key stakeholders.
Activation of Incident Management Support Team
The consultative meeting resulted in a recommendation for the immediate activation of the continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST). This team will coordinate preparedness and response efforts across multiple domains, including surveillance, laboratory systems, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, community engagement, logistics, cross-border collaboration, and rapid response operations.
In light of these developments, and in accordance with Article 12 of the Africa CDC Statute regarding the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), consultations were held with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Technical Guidance and Political Engagement
The Chair of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), Prof. Salim Abdool Karim, has been tasked with urgently convening the ECG to provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the evolving risk situation and the potential need for a PHECS declaration.
Additionally, discussions are underway for political guidance and continental solidarity with H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, as well as H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.
Commitment to Coordinated Action
To ensure effective coordination of the continental response to this outbreak, the Director of Africa CDC has decided to cancel engagements in Geneva during the World Health Assembly and will return to Africa on Monday. Visits to the affected countries are planned in the coming days to support national authorities, engage partners, and reinforce collective continental action.
The Africa CDC remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with Member States and partners to protect lives, contain the outbreak, and enhance Africa’s health security and preparedness architecture.
For further information, visit the Africa CDC website. Source: www.zawya.com
Media Contact:
Wilson Johwa
Senior Communications Officer
Directorate of Communication & Public Information
JohwaW@africacdc.org
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About Africa CDC:
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States in strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: Africa CDC
Published on 2026-05-17 17:20:00 • By the Editorial Desk
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