Africa CDC Calls Emergency Meeting of Health Ministers Over Ebola Spread
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has convened an extraordinary virtual meeting of African health ministers for October 28, as the ongoing Ebola outbreak spreads across the continent following Nigeria’s confirmation of its first case.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya said the meeting would strengthen the continent’s collective response, improve cross-border coordination and accelerate support for affected countries.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was first detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2026. Cases have since been reported in other countries, including Kenya and Nigeria, raising concerns about the spread of the disease across Central, Eastern and Western Africa.
Nigeria confirmed its first case on October 20 in the Federal Capital Territory. The patient, a woman with a recent travel history involving Uganda, is receiving care in isolation. Authorities have identified 44 contacts and are monitoring them.
However, the precise source of the woman’s infection remains under investigation, and Uganda has said that travel through its territory does not establish that the infection was contracted there.
Africa CDC said the October 28 meeting would focus on strengthening surveillance, preparedness, cross-border cooperation and protection for frontline health workers. The discussions are also expected to inform preparations for a summit of African heads of state and government.
The World Health Organization has urged countries in the region to maintain heightened vigilance, strengthen detection systems and prepare rapid responses as the outbreak continues to evolve.
