Over 1,100 suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo, Uganda — Africa CDC

The Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda are facing a significant Ebola outbreak, with over 1,100 suspected cases reported. As of Saturday, health authorities confirmed 263 cases and 43 deaths, while more than 1,100 suspected cases remain under investigation, according to Jean Kaseya, director general of the African Union’s health agency.

“

We must move at the speed of the epidemic

Kaseya, writing in a commentary for the Financial Times, criticized Africa's dependence on outside financial support for epidemic response, urging for greater self-reliance. He stated, "We must move at the speed of the epidemic," highlighting the urgency of the situation.

“

That momentum must now expand across the continent

In response, the health ministers of the DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan have adopted a $319 million response plan. Kaseya emphasized that this momentum must now extend across the continent, calling the current Ebola outbreak a "serious test" for the Africa CDC and the African Union. He warned that "this outbreak will not be the last."

“

This outbreak will not be the last

The outbreak was declared on May 15 in Ituri, northeastern DR Congo. The virus, which causes a deadly hemorrhagic fever, has spread to three Congolese provinces and into Uganda. Currently, there is no vaccine or approved treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, making preventative measures crucial for containment. The World Health Organization has issued an international health alert, though officials believe the reported figures likely underestimate the true scale of the epidemic. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Ituri province, pledging support to affected communities.

“

You are not alone in this. We are here, we are with you, and we will see this through together