Africa CDC Receives $220 Million Pandemic Emergency Funding to Strengthen Ebola Response Across Central/Eastern Africa
Communities across Central and Eastern Africa are set to benefit from strengthened disease surveillance, faster emergency response and improved healthcare preparedness following a US$220.6 million emergency financing package approved by the Pandemic Fund to support efforts against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.
The funding, welcomed by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, will help scale up measures aimed at containing the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda while protecting neighbouring countries from potential cross-border transmission.
Beyond supporting emergency health operations, the investment is expected to deliver tangible benefits for communities on the frontlines of disease outbreaks. Resources will be directed towards strengthening laboratory networks, improving disease detection systems, enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers and ensuring faster responses when new cases are identified. These improvements can help save lives, reduce pressure on healthcare facilities and build public confidence in health services.
The financing will support implementation of the joint Africa CDC and World Health Organization Continental Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which aims to coordinate regional efforts and ensure countries work together to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Public health experts note that investments in outbreak preparedness also carry significant economic benefits. By helping countries detect and contain health threats early, governments can reduce the risk of widespread disruptions to trade, travel, education and local businesses. Stronger health systems also help safeguard livelihoods, particularly in border communities where economic activity depends heavily on the movement of people and goods.
At the community level, the funding is expected to strengthen engagement with local leaders, health volunteers and grassroots organisations that play a critical role in raising awareness, encouraging early reporting of symptoms and combating misinformation. Such efforts are often essential to building trust and ensuring that public health interventions reach vulnerable populations.
Africa CDC said the support represents an important step towards reinforcing regional health security and strengthening Africa’s capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging disease threats, while protecting both lives and economic stability across the continent.
The Pandemic Fund’s decision follows the declarations by Africa CDC and WHO in May 2026 that the outbreak constituted a major public health emergency requiring urgent, coordinated action. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has already led to cross-border transmission, underscoring the need for a robust regional response.
“This financing is a major boost to the ongoing efforts of affected countries and partners to bring the outbreak under control while strengthening preparedness across the region,” said Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya. “It demonstrates the Pandemic Fund’s deep recognition of the importance of acting early, acting collectively, and investing in national and regional capacities to protect communities from current and future health threats.”
The Pandemic Fund financing complements the US$465 million Africa CDC–WHO Continental Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which is already being implemented across affected and at-risk countries. The six-month plan focuses on emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, logistics, research and support for essential health services.
According to the Pandemic Fund, up to US$175.7 million will be mobilised through the reprogramming of existing projects to support immediate response efforts in affected and high-risk countries, including the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Kenya and Ethiopia. A further US$44.9 million will be made available through expedited financing processes to support preparedness and response efforts in Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.
The financing will support priority actions identified under the Africa CDC–WHO response plan, including strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory systems, health workforce capacity and cross-border coordination. Countries and regional institutions will determine implementation priorities based on identified needs and gaps.
Africa CDC said the financing reflects growing global confidence in a coordinated, country-led response anchored in the principle of one plan, one budget and one team. It urges Member States, partners and donors to maintain momentum behind the continental response and preparedness effort, while continuing to support evidence-based measures that facilitate safe travel and trade, strengthen border health systems and enhance regional cooperation.
Media Contact: Directorate of Communication & Public Information | Communications@africacdc.org
About the Pandemic Fund: Established in 2022, the Pandemic Fund is the world’s first multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response in low- and middle-income countries. Hosted by the World Bank, the Fund supports investments in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, health workforce development, and emergency response, enabling countries to build stronger, more resilient health systems while reducing the risk and impact of future outbreaks.
About Africa CDC: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.AfricaCDC.org.
SOURCE: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
