CAR Enhances BVD Preparedness Amidst DRC Ebola Outbreak BODY: Kampala, Uganda – In response to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic (CAR) is stepping up its Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) readiness measures.
The DRC declared an epidemic of EVD caused by the Bundibugyo strain between May 15 and 18, 2026.
The outbreak has primarily affected three provinces in the DRC — Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu – with 33 health zones reporting confirmed cases as of June 18, 2026. Given its proximity to the affected areas and the high likelihood of undetected active transmission in the CAR, the country is at a significant risk of the virus’s introduction.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) operation (MDRCF034) in the CAR to enhance its BVD readiness.
The CAR’s humanitarian response plan underscores the chronic underfunding of humanitarian action and its impact on operational capacity.
The country’s response is further complicated by insecurity in Haut-Mbomou, where five staff members from humanitarian organizations were victims of an armed robbery on May 30, 2026.
A regional meeting hosted in Uganda aimed to strengthen preparedness and cross — border collaboration in response to the Ebola outbreak. Health leaders from across Africa discussed enhancing national and regional capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to the spread of the virus, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance systems and operations at critical entry points.
The CAR’s efforts to bolster BVD readiness are crucial not only for the country’s health security but also for the broader region. Effective response to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC will be instrumental in preventing the virus from spreading further and impacting neighboring countries. Despite challenges such as limited resources and a fragile security situation, the international community’s support, particularly through the IFRC’s DREF operation, is expected to bolster the CAR’s response capabilities.
The country’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of health crises across borders and the importance of regional collaboration in addressing such challenges.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
