EAC Calls Emergency Health Summit as Ebola Cases Rise Across Region

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, May 31,2026 - East African Community (EAC) health ministers will hold an emergency meeting this week as countries across the region step up efforts to contain a growing Ebola outbreak that has already claimed more than 130 lives and triggered heightened surveillance measures.

The extraordinary virtual meeting, scheduled for June 1 and 2, will bring together health ministers from the bloc’s eight member states to coordinate a regional response to the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

According to the EAC Secretariat, the discussions will focus on strengthening cross-border surveillance, improving rapid response mechanisms and harmonising health protocols to prevent further spread of the disease.

“The EAC is set to convene an Extra-Ordinary Virtual Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for Health on 1st–2nd June 2026, to deliberate on the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting the region,” the bloc said in a statement.

The meeting comes as health authorities continue battling the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, while neighbouring countries remain on high alert amid fears of cross-border transmission.

Regional officials say the emergency session is part of a broader effort to strengthen preparedness and ensure countries respond in a coordinated manner.

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“The convening of this high-level meeting is part of a series of urgent actions the EAC Secretariat has initiated, having already intensified regional coordination and preparedness measures following the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda,” the statement added.

The EAC noted that several emergency consultations have already been held, including meetings of technical experts on communicable diseases and discussions on harmonising regulations for potential Ebola vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tools.

The urgency of the talks reflects growing concern over the outbreak, which has seen more than 1,000 reported cases and continues to pose a significant public health threat across the region.

The Bundibugyo strain presents an added challenge because there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically targeting the virus, making surveillance, early detection and community engagement critical in controlling transmission.

As health ministers meet, countries across East Africa are expected to review preparedness plans and reinforce measures aimed at protecting populations while maintaining safe cross-border movement and trade.