Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – African health authorities have launched an ambitious $518 million continental preparedness and response plan aimed at containing the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease and preventing its spread across the continent.
The initiative, jointly unveiled by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), will run from June to November 2026.
The six-month plan seeks to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory testing, emergency coordination, infection prevention and control, clinical care, logistics, research and community engagement across affected and high-risk countries.
It also aims to improve early detection systems and enhance rapid response capabilities to limit transmission.
Speaking at the launch, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed the importance of coordinated action.
“The only way to beat this outbreak is through close partnership, working together under the leadership of affected countries with one plan, one budget and one team,” he said.
Tedros noted that community trust and participation remain essential to successful outbreak control efforts.
Also speaking, Jean Kaseya said Africa must move quickly to stay ahead of the disease.
“Ebola moves fast. Africa must move faster. This joint plan provides a clear roadmap to save lives, support affected countries and protect neighbouring communities,” he said.
Health authorities disclosed that preparedness activities are already underway in affected countries, while additional interventions are being strengthened in at least 10 priority nations considered at elevated risk.
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