ADDIS ABABA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Jean Kaseya has warned that the lack of licensed vaccine to the Bundibugyo Ebola strain and intense cross-border movement threaten regional spread of Ebola, as the number of suspected cases topped 1,130.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, the Africa CDC chief said the lack of licensed vaccine and medicines to the Bundibugyo Ebola virus makes the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda "particularly concerning."
"At the same time, intense cross-border movement between the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan creates conditions for regional spread if response efforts are not sustained and adequately funded," Kaseya told Xinhua, as he emphasized the vital need for adequate resources and robust regional coordination.
Data from the African Union's specialized healthcare agency showed that, as of Friday, some 1,139 suspected cases, including 212 laboratory confirmed cases, were reported across the DRC, since the country declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15. Confirmed cases have also been recorded in Uganda.
In addition to the two affected countries, 11 other countries across the continent are now at high risk of being affected, namely South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Somalia.
"The outbreak is also placing significant pressure on frontline health workers. Nineteen health workers have been infected and six have died. Protecting health workers remains a top priority," Kaseya said.
Noting that the Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are co-leading the response, working closely with national governments and operational partners across the region, he stressed that "response is active and producing results."
Meanwhile, the Africa CDC chief highlighted "encouraging signs," citing that a confirmed patient was recently discharged after recovery, "demonstrating that early detection, quality clinical care and coordinated response efforts save lives."
"Laboratory capacity has expanded significantly; contact tracing has been extended across affected health zones, and regional coordination has strengthened," he said.
Kaseya, however, emphasized that gaps still remain, with health worker infections highlighting the need for stronger infection prevention and control measures. "Contact follow-up rates need improvement in some areas; supply chains remain challenging in eastern DRC, and community engagement requires continued investment, particularly in conflict-affected settings."
"The response framework is in place. The priority now is ensuring that resources reach the front lines quickly enough to sustain operations at scale," he said.
Kaseya outlined three key "non-negotiable" priorities -- ensuring adequate financing and resources, strengthening regional coordination, while also investing in African-led science.
"Fund the response now," the Africa CDC chief said, emphasizing that early financing remains the most cost-effective public health investment available. He said the continental response plan, developed through the Incident Management Support Team, requires about 319 million U.S. dollars between June and November to support surveillance, laboratory operations, health worker protection, community engagement and cross-border coordination.
Kaseya underscored the urgent need to bolster regional coordination. "This is a regional outbreak. The DRC, Uganda and South Sudan share borders, populations and health workers." The ministerial meeting that was held in the Ugandan capital of Kampala established a framework for coordinated action.
Describing the Bundibugyo as "a neglected Ebola strain" with no licensed vaccine available, he stressed that African scientists, research institutions and regulatory authorities must be at the center of developing vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. He said the Africa CDC is committed to advancing that agenda through equitable partnerships and sustained investment in African research capacity.
"Africa has the expertise, the tools and the experience to stop this outbreak. What we need now is speed, solidarity and sustained financing," he said.
The Ebola virus is highly contagious and can cause symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized pain or malaise, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. According to the WHO, Ebola fatality rates vary depending on the viral subtype. ■