The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned that the unprecedented geographic spread of Ebola could put other countries at risk, urging governments worldwide to strengthen preparedness, screening and treatment capacity as the outbreak surpasses 10,000 cases and approaches 5,000 deaths.
Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya stated, “We want all countries to know that they are not safe if they don’t take appropriate measures.”
“It is the first time three African regions have been affected [by Ebola]. The geographic extension of this outbreak is unprecedented.”
Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya
He warned that the concentration of cases in Africa should not lead other countries to underestimate the possibility of further international spread.
“We shouldn’t forget that at the beginning of Covid, many countries said there was zero risk of being affected, but a few months later, they became the hotspot. We don’t want to see the UK and other countries become the hotspot.”
Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya
The current outbreak is the 17th recorded in DR Congo since Ebola was identified and has become the country’s largest and deadliest.
The virus has since spread beyond DR Congo into East Africa, with Uganda and Kenya reporting cases, while Nigeria confirmed a case in its capital, Abuja. France remains the only country outside Africa reported to have confirmed a case in connection with the outbreak.
Health System Weaknesses and Funding Shortfalls Hamper Response
Meanwhile, efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak have been complicated by shortages of protective equipment, unpaid wages for health workers and resulting strikes, according to the report.
Armed conflict in DR Congo has further restricted access to affected communities, while mistrust of authorities, misinformation and cuts to international aid have created additional obstacles for response teams.
According to Africa CDC Director General, “Currently, we have colleagues in Ituri who want to go and support the population, but they cannot because of insecurity.”
He intends to urge African heads of state at a November meeting to establish a “corridor of peace” in conflict-affected areas to allow health workers to deliver assistance safely.
“I have to say to leaders, this outbreak is not for rebels, it’s not for the official army, it’s for everyone. Ebola can affect everyone. We need to come together to have a kind of agreement on how to protect each other.”
Africa CDC Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya
The financial challenges facing the response have also raised concerns about the ability to sustain containment measures as the outbreak expands.
Dr Jean Kaseya revealed that governments had pledged US$3 billion, equivalent to approximately £2.3 billion, towards the response, but more than US$2 billion remained outstanding.
African countries had committed US$120 million, while the remaining funding was expected from international donors, including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Africa CDC Urges Cross-Border Screening and Global Cooperation
Dr Jean Kaseya wants countries to introduce screening and testing for travellers arriving from affected regions, alongside measures at points of entry and exit to identify infections and reduce the risk of further spread.
The proposed measures form part of a broader call for countries to strengthen preparedness before the outbreak reaches additional populations and places further pressure on health systems.
He also urged the international community to release outstanding funding, arguing that investing in containment in affected African countries would be less costly than allowing the outbreak to spread internationally.
In order to control infectious disease outbreaks, Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya has emphasised the significance of early action, coordinated surveillance, safe access for medical personnel, and dependable funding.
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