WHO, Africa CDC Launch $518M Ebola Response Plan Amid Fast-Spreading Outbreak

WHO, Africa CDC Launch $518M Ebola Response Plan Amid Fast-Spreading Outbreak
—————————-
The World Health Organization and Africa CDC have launched a $518 million Ebola response plan to contain a rapidly expanding Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and prevent wider regional spread.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health teams are still “playing catch-up” after visiting the outbreak’s epicenter in Ituri province, warning that the virus is moving quickly.

The joint plan, built around the principle of “one plan, one budget, one team,” covers emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention, clinical care, community engagement, research and logistics.

Africa CDC said the outbreak has spread across multiple provinces and health zones, with thousands of contacts under monitoring. Officials warned that 11 countries are at risk because of insecurity, misinformation and high population movement.

Reuters reported updated figures of 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths in Congo, underscoring the pace of transmission.

Although partners have pledged substantial funding, officials warned that much of the money has not yet reached affected countries.