Oluwatobi Adu 
ADDIS ABABA – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) warns that border closures and travel restrictions could undermine efforts to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak across parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The Africa CDC Advisory and Technical Council issued the warning following an extraordinary meeting on Friday, urging countries to prioritise surveillance, information sharing and community engagement instead of restrictive border measures.
The council says the outbreak continues to spread amid insecurity, population movement and cross-border transmission, complicating containment efforts in affected regions.
As of 10 June, authorities record 681 confirmed cases and 126 deaths, with the majority reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Members of the advisory body express concern over repeated attacks on health facilities, including destruction of Ebola treatment centres, warning that insecurity and misinformation are weakening response operations.
“Our assessment is clear: Africa must respond with science, solidarity and strong community engagement,” says ATC Chair Dr Eduardo Samo Gudo.
The council highlights shortages of essential health personnel, including epidemiologists, laboratory specialists, clinicians and risk communication experts, as a major operational challenge.
It recommends strengthening laboratory capacity in hotspot areas, improving case investigation and contact tracing, and expanding preparedness in unaffected regions.
The body also calls for enhanced cross-border cooperation and sustained investment in outbreak response systems.
Africa CDC further advises that the Ebola outbreak remains classified as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Concern due to ongoing transmission and operational constraints.
Public health experts say community trust remains a critical factor in controlling outbreaks, particularly in regions affected by insecurity and misinformation.
The agency urges governments to work closely with traditional leaders, civil society groups and community health workers to improve acceptance of response measures.
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Mirian Gom 
Oluwafunbi Bello