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The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have launched a joint continental response plan to strengthen preparedness and response efforts against the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The six-month initiative seeks to mobilise $518 million to support countries across the region in preventing the spread of the disease, containing outbreaks swiftly, and minimizing their impact on public health systems.
The plan will focus on strengthening early detection of Ebola cases, expanding laboratory testing capacity, ensuring safe treatment and care for infected persons, protecting frontline health workers, and enhancing community engagement and public education.
It will also improve cross-border coordination to strengthen surveillance and response efforts, particularly in areas with high population movement.
The WHO and Africa CDC said rapid action was critical because Ebola could spread quickly and place communities and health systems under significant strain if outbreaks were not contained promptly.
The organisations underscored the vital role of communities in controlling the disease, urging the public to seek medical attention early when symptoms appear, report suspected cases, comply with public health directives, and cooperate with contact-tracing efforts.
“Communities are at the centre of outbreak response. Their participation is essential to breaking chains of transmission and protecting lives,” the agencies said.
Beyond addressing the immediate Ebola threat, the response plan aims to strengthen national health systems and improve preparedness for other public health emergencies, including cholera, measles and mpox.
Health experts say investments in disease surveillance, laboratory infrastructure, workforce protection and community engagement will better equip countries to respond to future outbreaks and emerging health threats.
WHO and Africa CDC reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with governments, development partners and communities to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
They noted that measures implemented today would help save lives, protect vulnerable populations and strengthen health security across the continent.
Source: GNA