Africa’s CDC and WHO launch joint continental Ebola response plan

The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) today launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan about the current Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The plan aims to raise US$518 million to support African countries together with partners in preparedness, rapid detection and response to the outbreak.

The six-month plan, spanning June to November 2026, brings together governments, partners and communities in a unified ‘One Response’ approach to strengthen epidemic response measures, including emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, research, logistics and support for essential health services.

The plan complements the national response plans launched by the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

“The only way to defeat this epidemic is through close partnership, working together under the leadership of affected countries in one coordinated effort, guided by a simple principle: one plan, one budget, one team,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general. “Ebola control depends on political commitment, sustainable funding, and community trust and engagement. This plan puts communities at the center, because without their participation, contact tracing fails, safe care is delayed, and transmission continues.”

dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC, said: “Ebola is moving fast. Africa must move faster. This joint plan gives the continent a clear path to act quickly and singularly: to save lives, support affected countries and protect neighboring communities. With Member States, WHO and partners, Africa CDC is turning commitment into action and resources into response for vulnerable communities.”

The plan also focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening cross-border cooperation and supporting countries to respond quickly to new cases. At a time when there are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, the plan aims to strengthen health systems to ensure resilience even as countries respond to acute health emergencies.

Implementation of preparedness and response activities is already underway in affected and at-risk countries. Furthermore, in 10 priority countries, critical measures are being strengthened to improve public health emergency preparedness and ensure early detection and rapid response.

The plan emphasizes the need to maintain support for other current health emergencies, including measles, cholera and measles, to prevent disruptions to critical response efforts and protect progress toward stronger, more resilient health systems.

This coordinated effort comes as response operations are ramping up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where authorities, with support from the African CDC, WHO and partners, are stepping up efforts to contain the spread of the virus and end the epidemic.

The African CDC and WHO call on Member States to strengthen screening and public health measures at points of entry and improve cross-border coordination and solidarity to support a timely, effective and evidence-based response to the epidemic.

Through a joint preparedness and response plan, the continent is mobilizing its collective expertise and resources to strengthen response measures, acting as one to control the outbreak and protect communities across the region. Its successful implementation will require strong political commitment, sustained investment and close collaboration between governments, health professionals, communities and partners.

Building on lessons learned from previous Ebola outbreaks and recent public health emergencies, the plan also provides a path to broadly strengthen Africa’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to future health threats while protecting lives and livelihoods.

About Africa CDC

The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, the African CDC supports AU member states in strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance and improving emergency preparedness and response. The Africa CDC works with member states, regional economic communities and partners to prevent, detect and rapidly and effectively respond to disease threats and outbreaks across the continent.

For more information, visit www.africacdc.org and follow Africa CDC on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube.

ABOUT WHO

Committed to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and supports global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal opportunity to live a safe and healthy life.

We are the UN health agency that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in more than 150 locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health problems and expanding access to medicines and healthcare. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

“Together for health. Let’s stand by science”, is the theme World Health Day 2026 marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being around the world.