Africa CDC urges coordinated action as Ebola outbreak exceeds 10,000 cases

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged African countries to strengthen cross-border cooperation and coordinate their responses as an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus continues to spread beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The call was made at an extraordinary virtual meeting of African health ministers on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, where participants discussed measures to strengthen surveillance, improve preparedness and accelerate efforts to contain the outbreak.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak had recorded 10,172 confirmed cases and 4,932 confirmed deaths across five affected countries and territories as of October 26. The DRC accounted for the overwhelming majority of the cases and deaths.

The outbreak, which began in the DRC in May 2026, has also been reported in Kenya and Nigeria, while Uganda and France have recorded cases associated with the wider outbreak.

The CDC has described it as the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record, behind the 2014–2016 West African epidemic.

Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said the outbreak was affecting more than public health, with consequences for trade, supply chains and household livelihoods.

“Trade is disrupted, supply chains are broken, and we are seeing a tragic loss of breadwinners. This is not just a health crisis; it is an economic destabilizer for our communities,” he said.

The meeting brought together representatives of African governments and international organisations to discuss a coordinated response, including improved surveillance, information sharing and preparedness across national borders.

South Africa’s Director-General for Health, Simbisile Kulu, speaking on behalf of the country’s Health Minister, Dr Motsualedi, described the spread of the outbreak beyond the DRC as a continental health security concern.

She said South Africa was strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, contact tracing and preparedness at its borders.

She also called for stronger regional operational readiness, harmonised alert protocols and real-time information sharing to help countries respond more effectively.

Ethiopia expressed readiness to deploy teams and cooperate with neighbouring countries on border screening, information sharing and transport.

Niger, meanwhile, outlined measures to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, isolation arrangements, staff training and coordination across sectors.

The discussions emphasised the need for countries to align their response plans and share information promptly to detect and contain potential cross-border transmission.

India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the response, reporting US$10 million in in-kind medical assistance and supplies, including laboratory materials, essential medicines and nutritional support.

Its representative outlined deliveries to Uganda and Kenya, including 2.5 tonnes of supplies to Uganda on May 24, followed by another 43 tonnes on June 2.

Kenya received five tonnes of supplies on July 22, while more than 11 tonnes of medical supplies and specialised equipment were delivered on October 19.

India also highlighted its cooperation with African institutions in research and development, innovation, clinical trials, regulatory harmonisation and digital health.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) called for a One Health approach, which recognises the links between human, animal and environmental health.

The organisation said it was supporting animal and wildlife disease surveillance, early-warning systems, laboratory capacity and the provision of protective equipment. It also cited assistance to communities in Eastern Africa through agricultural inputs and cash support.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlighted the effects of the outbreak on women and girls, particularly frontline health workers and caregivers.

Its representative said the agency had mobilised US$2.8 million in emergency funding and was supporting triage, reproductive health services, dignity supplies and risk communication.

UNICEF representative Alison Parker drew attention to the impact on children, reporting that more than 2,000 children had been affected and more than 1,100 had died during the period under review.

She also noted that children under five faced a higher risk of severe outcomes.

Participants called for the deployment of African health experts and sustainable financing to support countries responding to the outbreak.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening surveillance at border crossings, improving screening at points of entry, protecting frontline health workers and engaging communities in prevention efforts.

The meeting forms part of wider efforts to reinforce continental health security and prevent further transmission.

Africa CDC has urged member states to maintain vigilance and strengthen cooperation as the response continues.