The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a coordinated six-month response strategy aimed at containing the ongoing Ebola outbreak and boosting preparedness across the continent.

The initiative, which runs from June to November 2026, seeks to mobilize $518 million to support affected and at-risk countries in strengthening surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention, clinical care, emergency coordination, community engagement, and logistics.

Operating under a unified “One Response” framework, the plan is designed to improve cooperation among governments, health agencies, partners, and local communities while enhancing cross-border coordination and protecting vulnerable populations.

Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the need for a rapid and united continental response, stating that the strategy provides a clear roadmap for saving lives, supporting affected countries, and preventing further spread of the virus.

Similarly, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that effective Ebola containment depends on strong partnerships, sustained funding, political commitment, and active community participation.

The plan will complement national response efforts already underway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, while also helping countries strengthen long-term health security and resilience against future disease outbreaks.

Health authorities noted that preparedness activities are already being intensified in ten priority countries, with additional focus on maintaining responses to other public health threats such as mpox, cholera, and measles.

Africa CDC and WHO called on member states to reinforce screening measures, improve cross-border collaboration, and support evidence-based interventions to bring the outbreak under control and safeguard communities across the continent.