Africa CDC Welcomes US$220mln Pandemic Fund Support for Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak Response
The financing complements the US$ 465 million Africa CDC–WHO Continental Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which is already being implemented in affected and high-risk countri
KAMPALA, June 10, 2026 — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention [Africa CDC] has welcomed a US$ 220.6 million emergency financing package from the Pandemic Fund to support efforts to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak and strengthen preparedness in countries at risk across Central and Eastern Africa.
The funding will support implementation of the joint Africa CDC–World Health Organization [WHO] Continental Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, launched to coordinate efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC] and Uganda and prevent further regional spread.
The Pandemic Fund’s decision follows declarations by Africa CDC and WHO in May 2026 that the outbreak constituted a major public health emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola, has already resulted in cross-border transmission, highlighting the need for a robust regional response.
“This financing is a major boost to the ongoing efforts of affected countries and partners to bring the outbreak under control while strengthening preparedness across the region,” Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said.
“It demonstrates the Pandemic Fund’s deep recognition of the importance of acting early, acting collectively and investing in national and regional capacities to protect communities from current and future health threats.”
The financing complements the US$ 465 million Africa CDC–WHO Continental Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which is already being implemented in affected and high-risk countries. The six-month strategy focuses on emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, logistics, research and the continuity of essential health services.
According to the Pandemic Fund, up to US$175.7 million will be mobilised through the reprogramming of existing projects to support immediate response efforts in affected and high-risk countries, including the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Kenya and Ethiopia.
A further US$ 44.9 million will be made available through expedited financing mechanisms to support preparedness and response activities in Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo.
The funding will support priority interventions identified under the Africa CDC–WHO response plan, including strengthening disease surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, health workforce readiness and cross-border coordination. Countries and regional institutions will determine implementation priorities based on identified needs and gaps.
Africa CDC said the financing reflected growing international confidence in a coordinated, country-led response anchored on the principle of “one plan, one budget and one team”.
The continental health agency called on Member States, development partners and donors to sustain momentum behind response and preparedness efforts, while continuing to support evidence-based measures that facilitate safe travel and trade, strengthen border health systems and enhance regional cooperation.
Latest Ebola figures
As of June 9, 2026, 645 confirmed cases, 114 deaths and 23 recoveries have been reported across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The DRC accounts for 626 confirmed cases and 112 deaths, with Ituri Province remaining the epicentre of the outbreak. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, with no new cases or deaths reported in the last 24 hours.
The latest figures include 23 reported recoveries. Further country-level details on recoveries are being verified.
Africa CDC is working closely with the Governments of the DRC and Uganda, WHO and partners to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement.
Priority actions include supporting rapid response teams, reinforcing points of entry surveillance, improving community trust and acceptance of public health measures, and ensuring that health workers and response teams have the support they need to safely carry out response activities.
Africa CDC and WHO continue to advise against travel or trade restrictions and encourage countries to follow International Health Regulations guidance and evidence-based public health measures.
https://thecooperator.news/africa-cdc-and-who-launch-joint-continental-ebola-response-plan/
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