Africa CDC Urges Stronger Ebola Preparedness Across Borders

The experts urged African Union member states, particularly the 11 countries considered most at risk, to assess their readiness using a new preparedness checklist being developed by Africa CDC.

Health experts advising the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have called for stronger cross-border preparedness measures to reduce the risk of the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreading beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The recommendations were issued following a meeting of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), an independent panel of leading infectious disease specialists that advises the agency on public health emergencies.

The experts urged African Union member states, particularly the 11 countries considered most at risk, to assess their readiness using a new preparedness checklist being developed by Africa CDC. The tool focuses on key areas including border screening, isolation facilities, diagnostic capabilities, public health response systems, and management of suspected Ebola cases.

Experts reject travel bans as outbreak response tool

A major recommendation from the advisory group was opposition to travel bans and border closures. According to the ECG, available evidence shows that such restrictions provide limited public health benefits and may even hinder outbreak control efforts. Instead, countries were encouraged to keep borders open while strengthening screening procedures at points of entry and implementing evidence-based health measures.

Professor Salim Abdool Karim, chairperson of the ECG, said preparedness is essential in reducing the likelihood of local transmission if imported cases occur. He noted that strong preparedness measures can increase public confidence in health systems and reduce fear and uncertainty within communities when cases are detected.

Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya also expressed concern about travel restrictions imposed by some countries, warning that measures lacking scientific justification could disrupt trade, movement, and regional cooperation while discouraging transparency and timely reporting of outbreaks.

Outbreak remains a continental concern

As of June 9, 2026, health authorities had reported 645 confirmed Ebola cases across the DRC and Uganda, including 114 deaths and 23 recoveries. The DRC remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 626 cases and 112 deaths, primarily in Ituri province. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, with no new cases recorded during the previous 24 hours.

While experts welcomed improvements in laboratory diagnosis, contact tracing, and infection prevention efforts, they expressed concern that transmission continues among healthcare workers, frontline responders, and individuals attending funerals.

The ECG identified several priority actions in the DRC, including strengthening diagnostic services in Ituri province, improving compliance with isolation measures, expanding infection prevention protocols for healthcare workers, enhancing surveillance and contact tracing, and ensuring safe access for medical teams operating in insecure areas.

The group also supported the development of a diagnostic laboratory in Ituri and called for urgent investment in Bundibugyo-specific rapid diagnostic tests. Several hundred community health workers are expected to be deployed to strengthen contact tracing efforts.

Members further welcomed ongoing work by Africa CDC and the World Health Organization to accelerate the development of vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools for Bundibugyo Ebola.

Given the continuing spread of the disease and the potential risk of wider transmission, the ECG unanimously recommended maintaining the outbreak's classification as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness across Africa.