Africa CDC summons health ministers as Ebola outbreak hits Kenya, DR Congo and Nigeria

Africa CDC summons health ministers as Ebola outbreak hits Kenya, DR Congo and Nigeria

African health ministers will meet on October 28 to strengthen cross-border cooperation and coordinate efforts to contain the Bundibugyo virus outbreak affecting Kenya, the DRC and Nigeria.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) will convene African health ministers on October 28 to coordinate efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Nigeria.

The meeting comes five months into the response to the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, whose spread across Central, Eastern and Western Africa has raised concerns about cross-border transmission and regional health security.

Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya has called for urgent action, stronger coordination and decisive political leadership to contain the outbreak and save lives.

“Ebola is crossing borders. Our response must move faster, with stronger coordination, greater solidarity and decisive political leadership,” Kaseya said.

He said Africa had the expertise and capacity needed to stop the outbreak, urging countries to pool their resources and work together.

“We have the expertise and the capacity on this continent. We must mobilise them together to stop this outbreak and save lives,” said Dr Kaseya.

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According to Africa CDC, the October 28 meeting will allow ministers to assess the evolving situation, strengthen cross-border cooperation, accelerate support for affected countries and reinforce preparedness across the continent.

The agency declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on May 18, 2026. It said member states, frontline health workers and partners had continued efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

However, the virus's continued spread has prompted calls for renewed political commitment and intensified response measures.

The ministerial meeting is also expected to inform preparations for a Heads of State and Government Summit to be held under the leadership of Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the African Union chairperson.

Africa CDC has urged member states to strengthen disease surveillance, cross-border cooperation and community engagement while ensuring the protection of frontline health workers.

The agency said coordinated action and continental solidarity would be essential to ending the outbreak and strengthening Africa's capacity to respond to public health emergencies.