The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This declaration, in accordance with Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statute, empowers the organization to lead and coordinate responses to significant public health emergencies across the continent.
The Africa CDC’s move follows extensive consultations at various levels, including with the African Union Commission chairperson, the President of South Africa, and the African Union Champion for Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response.
The Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), chaired by Professor Salim Abdool Karim, reviewed the epidemiological situation, regional risks, response capacities, and the implications of the confirmed Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain.
As of May 18, 2026, around 395 suspected cases and 106 associated deaths have been reported in the DRC, primarily in the Mongwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia Health Zones, and in Kampala, Uganda, where two cases and one death have been reported.
The Africa CDC is particularly concerned about the high risk of regional spread due to cross — border population movement, mining-related mobility, insecurity, weak infection prevention and control measures, and the proximity of affected areas to neighboring countries. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the need for swift and decisive action, highlighting the importance of an Africa-led and partner-supported response.
The declaration aims to strengthen regional coordination, facilitate rapid mobilization of resources, reinforce surveillance and laboratory systems, support the deployment of emergency responders, and accelerate preparedness activities in neighboring countries at heightened risk of transmission. Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working together to strengthen coordination through an Incident Management Support Team (IMST), building on the successful model used during previous health crises. Multidisciplinary experts have been deployed, and internal funds of US$2 million have been mobilized to support the continental response.
The declaration also addresses growing concerns about the limited availability of validated vaccines and therapeutics for the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease. Africa CDC is collaborating with various partners to assess available medical countermeasures and accelerate operational research and evidence generation efforts to inform outbreak response strategies. Professor Karim noted the interconnected nature of transmission between DRC and Uganda, combined with the challenges posed by insecurity and cross-border movement, necessitating urgent coordinated continental action.
Ebola, a severe and often fatal illness, is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, contaminated materials, or deceased individuals infected with the virus. Early detection, rapid isolation, and care are crucial in combating the disease.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: Editor
