WHO, Africa CDC Launch $518 Million Ebola Plan as Cases Reach 471

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have unveiled a $518 million continental response plan to combat the worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, as infections and deaths continue to rise across the region.

The six-month strategy comes as the two countries have recorded a combined 471 confirmed cases and 84 deaths , underscoring the scale of the health emergency and concerns about further regional spread. The plan aims to strengthen outbreak control in affected areas while improving preparedness in neighboring countries through enhanced surveillance, laboratory capacity, border screening and emergency response measures.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the objective is to stop the outbreak at its source, support countries already battling the disease, and ensure neighboring nations can rapidly detect and contain any new infections.

The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. Health officials believe the virus circulated undetected for weeks before the outbreak was formally declared in mid-May, allowing transmission chains to expand.

The DRC remains the epicentre of the crisis. The country's Health Ministry recently reported 71 new confirmed cases in 24 hours , bringing its total to 452 confirmed infections and 82 deaths . Officials have warned of rapid community transmission, particularly in the eastern province of Ituri.

Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases and two deaths , with several recent infections linked to known contacts of earlier patients. Authorities have intensified surveillance and screening efforts to prevent further spread.

Health agencies say the response faces significant challenges, including insecurity in eastern Congo, delayed testing, weak healthcare infrastructure, community mistrust and funding shortages. Africa CDC has said that while donors have pledged support, only $315.8 million has been committed so far , leaving a substantial funding gap.

The outbreak has been designated a Public Health Emergency of International Concern , and global health officials have warned that sustained international assistance will be critical to containing the disease and preventing wider regional transmission.