Africa CDC Declares Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially classified the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This declaration was made on May 18, 2026, following recommendations from its Emergency Consultative Group (ECG).
Context and Legal Framework
The declaration is grounded in Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statute, which authorizes the organization to lead and coordinate responses to significant public health emergencies across the continent. This statute mandates Africa CDC to support Member States in their health emergency responses, particularly in situations declared as PHECS or Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Extensive consultations were conducted at various levels, including discussions with H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and the African Union Champion for Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response. The ECG, chaired by Professor Salim Abdool Karim, reviewed the evolving epidemiological situation, regional risks, and response capacities before making its recommendations.
Current Situation and Epidemiological Data
As of May 18, 2026, approximately 395 suspected cases and 106 associated deaths have been reported in the DRC, particularly in the Mongwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia Health Zones. In Uganda, two cases and one death have been confirmed in Kampala. The Africa CDC has expressed deep concern regarding the high risk of regional spread due to factors such as cross-border population movement, mining-related mobility, and insecurity in affected areas.
Urgency for Coordinated Action
H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the need for immediate coordinated action across the continent. He stated that the confirmation of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus in interconnected countries underscores the indivisible nature of Africa’s health security. Dr. Kaseya called for early, collective, and science-based action to mobilize resources effectively.
The declaration aims to enhance regional coordination, facilitate rapid mobilization of financial and technical resources, and reinforce surveillance and laboratory systems. It also supports the deployment of emergency responders and accelerates preparedness activities in neighboring countries at heightened risk of transmission.
Collaborative Efforts and Resource Mobilization
Africa CDC is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen coordination by activating an Incident Management Support Team (IMST). This initiative is modeled after successful responses to previous health crises, including mpox and cholera, adhering to the “4 Ones” principle: one team, one plan, one budget, and one monitoring framework.
The organization has already deployed multidisciplinary experts specializing in epidemiology, infection prevention and control, laboratory systems, risk communication, logistics, and emergency coordination. Internally, Africa CDC has mobilized US$2 million to support the continental response.
Challenges and Future Directions
The declaration comes amid rising concerns regarding the limited availability of validated vaccines and therapeutics for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease. Africa CDC is actively working with various partners to assess available medical countermeasures and accelerate operational research to inform outbreak response strategies.
Professor Karim noted that the ECG carefully evaluated the epidemiological evidence and regional risk profile, emphasizing the interconnected nature of transmission between DRC and Uganda. The challenges posed by insecurity and cross-border movement necessitate urgent coordinated continental action.
Ebola, a severe and often fatal illness, is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated materials, or deceased persons. Early detection, rapid isolation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, community engagement, and safe burials are critical to interrupting transmission.
Africa CDC will continue to provide regular updates as additional epidemiological, laboratory, and sequencing information becomes available.
Source: www.zawya.com
Media Contact:
Wilson Johwa
Senior Communications Officer, Directorate of Communication & Public Information
JohwaW@africacdc.org
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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.
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Published on 2026-05-19 21:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk
