IGAD States Step Up Ebola Preparedness as DRC Cases Surge

By Issa Hussein - Reporter

Kenya, May 30, 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for stronger regional coordination and cross-border collaboration to contain the spread of Ebola following a surge in infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and confirmed cases in neighbouring Uganda.

Mr Duale made the remarks during an extraordinary virtual meeting of Health Ministers from member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which was convened to assess the evolving Ebola situation in the region.

The meeting brought together regional health ministers and representatives of international health agencies to discuss preparedness measures and strategies for preventing further transmission of the disease.

According to Cabinet Secretary, the discussions focused on strengthening regional preparedness through improved information sharing, coordinated response mechanisms and resource mobilisation.

“I reaffirmed Kenya's solidarity with Uganda following the outbreak and emphasized the importance of strengthened regional coordination, collective preparedness and cross-border collaboration in addressing public health threats within the highly interconnected IGAD region,” he said.

The Health CS noted that the outbreak, involving the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, poses a significant threat to regional health security due to increased movement of people across borders.

He also highlighted the role of the Pandemic Fund-supported PREPARE Project in enhancing disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency coordination and rapid response systems across IGAD member states.

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“The PREPARE Project is critical in strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, emergency coordination and rapid response mechanisms while supporting urgent outbreak preparedness priorities,” Duale said.

The ministers acknowledged progress made under IGAD's Pandemic Preparedness and Response initiatives, particularly in strengthening surveillance networks, laboratory systems and emergency preparedness frameworks.

With more than 200 confirmed Ebola cases reported in the DRC and over 1,000 suspected infections, member states pledged to enhance accountability, transparency and cooperation in responding to the outbreak.

The meeting also underscored the role of IGAD, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners in coordinating regional preparedness efforts.

Hosted by IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, the session was attended by health ministers from the bloc, representatives of the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other global health partners.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and has caused several outbreaks across Africa. Health experts have consistently emphasised the importance of early detection, surveillance and coordinated cross-border action to prevent widespread transmission.