The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has voiced grave concern over the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks recently declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, warning of the potential for regional spread if urgent measures are not sustained.
In a press statement, Youssouf commended the governments of the DRC and Uganda, along with national health authorities and frontline workers, for their swift and determined response under difficult circumstances. He also praised neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan, for stepping up preparedness measures to guard against cross-border transmission.
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with the peoples and Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda at this critical time,” Youssouf said. “Africa has overcome major public health challenges before, and through unity, coordination, and collective action, we shall overcome this one as well.”
The AU highlighted the central role of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in coordinating a continent-wide response. The Africa CDC is working closely with member states, the World Health Organization (WHO), humanitarian partners, donors, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response capabilities.
Youssouf underscored that protecting African lives and safeguarding continental health security remain the AU’s highest priority. He called on all member states and partners to intensify support for affected and at-risk countries, emphasizing the need for vigilance and solidarity in the face of the outbreak.
The AU reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Africa’s public health security and strengthening the continent’s preparedness and response architecture. The Commission stressed that lessons learned from past health crises, including the devastating Ebola epidemic in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, must guide current efforts to ensure swift containment and minimize loss of life.
