Africa CDC, 3 Countries Agree $319 Million Ebola Plan as South Africa Pledges $5 Million
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 26
Africa CDC, 3 Countries Agree $319 Million Ebola Plan as South Africa Pledges $5 Million
5 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 26
$319 million was agreed by Africa CDC, DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan for a cross-border Ebola response, with South Africa adding an initial $5 million pledge.
More than 900 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths have been reported since DR Congo declared the outbreak on May 15, while Uganda has confirmed seven cases.
WHO says the outbreak may be spreading faster than first thought and that responders are still playing catch-up, prompting its declaration of a public health emergency of international concern.
Ituri governor Johnny Luboya Nkashama said the epicentre lacks food, qualified staff, secure treatment centres and funding, warning delays could push the province toward catastrophe.
The outbreak is DR Congo's 17th since 1976 and only the third known global outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment yet exists.
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With no vaccine and militias attacking clinics, can Congo's Ebola outbreak be contained?
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Over 900 Suspected Bundibugyo Ebola Cases: Africa’s Coordinated Response and the Challenge of Regional Resilience
Overview
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has rapidly escalated, creating a severe public health challenge in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. With over 900 suspected cases identified by the World Health Organization, the crisis is expanding and highlights the urgent need for robust preparedness measures. In response, African leaders have quickly mobilized, emphasizing a unified continental approach and the importance of 'African solutions to African challenges.' President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed that Africa stands with affected countries, while the Africa CDC leads coordination efforts to contain the outbreak and strengthen health security across the continent.