The East African Community (EAC) has launched an urgent regional effort to contain a dangerous health threat, convening an extraordinary virtual meeting of health ministers today, June 1, 2026.
The two-day session aims to synchronize a coordinated response to an Ebola outbreak currently affecting parts of the region. At the heart of the concern is the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which presents a significant challenge for health officials as there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available for this particular variant.
According to a statement released by the bloc, the outbreak is primarily concentrated in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). Because Ituri is a high-mobility area, the EAC is acting swiftly to prevent the virus from spreading further across borders, following reported cases in both the DR Congo and Uganda.
EAC Secretary General Stephen Mbundi emphasized that the bloc is focusing on strengthening preparedness through a multi-pronged approach. This strategy includes enhanced surveillance, improved laboratory diagnostics, infection prevention, and robust risk communication.
"We are working closely with member states, Africa CDC and the WHO to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health," Mbundi stated.
To bolster the frontline response, the EAC is implementing several key interventions: the deployment of nine mobile laboratories at strategic border points, the activation of a pool of over 180 rapid response experts, and the rollout of specialized training for healthcare workers. Additionally, the organization is supplying essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and advancing plans for a regional framework to accelerate the approval of future Ebola vaccines and diagnostics.
The EAC—an intergovernmental organization comprising Burundi, the DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda—continues to urge its member states to heighten public awareness and emergency preparedness to safeguard the health of the region's population.
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EAC to hold emergency health ministers' meeting over Ebola outbreak
cgtn.com
