The six-month plan, covering the period from June to November 2026, brings together governments, partners, and local communities under a single «One Response» approach to strengthen epidemic control measures. This includes emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection control, clinical care, community engagement, research, logistics, and support for essential health services. The plan complements the national response plans launched by the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
«Only a close partnership based on cooperation led by the affected countries, in a coordinated effort and guided by a simple principle (one plan, one budget, one team) will help contain this epidemic», said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Success in containing the Ebola virus will depend on political will, sustained funding, and community trust and engagement. This plan puts people in the spotlight because without their involvement, contact tracing is ineffective, safe care is delayed, and virus transmission continues.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said that Africa needs to act faster, and this joint plan provides the continent with a clear path for rapid and unified action: to save lives, support affected countries, and protect neighboring communities. In collaboration with member states, the WHO, and partners, Africa CDC is turning commitments into action and resources into assistance for at-risk populations.
The plan also aims to protect vulnerable populations, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and support countries in responding quickly to new cases. In the absence of a specific vaccine or treatment approved for the Bundibugyo strain, the plan focuses on strengthening healthcare systems to ensure their resilience in the face of acute emergencies.
Preparedness and response activities have already begun in affected and at-risk countries. In addition, critical measures are being strengthened in ten priority countries to enhance public health emergency preparedness. The plan emphasizes the need to maintain support for other ongoing crises, including monkeypox (mpox), cholera, and measles, to avoid disruptions to critical response efforts.
These coordinated efforts are taking place as response operations intensify in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where authorities, with support from Africa CDC, WHO, and partners, are stepping up efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Africa CDC and WHO are calling on Member States to strengthen screening and public health measures at entry points and improve cross-border coordination.
Through the joint plan, the continent is mobilizing its collective expertise and resources to strengthen its response. The plan will require strong political will, sustainable investments, and close collaboration between governments, healthcare workers, communities, and partners to be successful. Drawing on the lessons of past epidemics, the plan also paves the way for significantly strengthening Africa's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to future health threats, protecting lives and livelihoods.
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