ADDIS ABABA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Despite real progress in the ongoing response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, managing the active outbreak requires "speed, discipline and sustained support," Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director General Jean Kaseya has said.
"Our priority is clear: find cases earlier, test faster, isolate safely, care for patients, protect health workers and work closely with communities. In an Ebola outbreak, speed saves lives," the Africa CDC chief said in a recent interview with Xinhua.
The response needs faster diagnosis, stronger contact follow-up, expanded treatment and isolation capacity, and more supplies, Kaseya noted.
He identified enhanced infection prevention and control and sustained financing as vital components for the success of ongoing outbreak containment efforts. "Community trust needs daily work. Ebola response succeeds when communities are informed, protected and fully involved."
The director general noted that the Africa CDC, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, is currently providing multifaceted support to both affected nations, spanning surveillance, contact follow-up, laboratory strengthening, clinical care, cross-border preparedness, community engagement, and research.
"Africa CDC will continue working with member states and partners to bring support closer to the frontline, protect communities, and stop transmission," Kaseya said.
The latest epidemiological data from the Africa CDC and the two affected countries showed that since the DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15, a total of 1,581 confirmed cases and 508 deaths have been recorded across the DRC and Uganda, representing a case fatality rate of about 32.1 percent. Uganda accounts for 20 confirmed cases and two deaths.
On a positive note, Kaseya highlighted that there has been real progress in the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak response, including improvements in testing and case follow-up.
"Community engagement has intensified in affected areas through community dialogues, household visits, radio broadcasts and work with local leaders. Free care has started in four priority health zones in Ituri," Kaseya said, adding that the continental public health agency is offering support for the rollout of digital outbreak data tools to enhance reporting, analysis, and strategic decision-making.
He further stressed notable successes at the political level, acknowledging recent high-level engagements in the DRC's capital of Kinshasa.
This diplomatic solidarity has sent an important continental message: the DRC is leading, and Africa is standing with the DRC, he added.
The Africa CDC declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of continental security on May 18, just one day after the WHO declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern. ■
