Africa CDC leads cross-border talks on Ebola outbreak response

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) will be hosting a two-day high-level cross-border meeting commencing today in Kampala, Uganda, to strengthen regional preparedness and coordination in response to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.

The meeting, running from 22 to 23 May 2026, is being organised in collaboration with the Ministries of Health of Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.

“The meeting reflects Africa’s commitment to collective health security, regional solidarity, and coordinated action in responding to public health emergencies that transcend borders,” Africa CDC said in a statement ahead of the meeting.

The gathering brings together Ministers of Health, senior government officials, National Public Health Institutes, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical experts and international partners, including the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund.

According to Africa CDC, the meeting seeks to strengthen regional preparedness, improve response coordination and enhance political alignment in addressing the outbreak, which continues to pose a threat across borders.

“The coordination platform will focus on key response pillars, including coordination, surveillance, case management, IPC, laboratory systems, logistics, risk communication, community engagement, research, finance, and resource mobilization,” the organisation said.

Among the key objectives of the meeting are enhancing political commitment and leadership for a coordinated regional response, finalising a joint response plan to guide fundraising efforts and harmonising preparedness and response strategies among affected and at-risk countries.

Delegates are also expected to identify operational gaps and reinforce collaboration between governments, regional institutions and partners to prevent further spread of the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations across the region.

Africa CDC said it will continue coordinating efforts with member states and partners to contain the outbreak, strengthen preparedness and safeguard the health and security of communities across Africa.