The World Patients Alliance (WPA) welcomes the launch of the joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The six month plan, covering June to November 2026, seeks to mobilize US$518 million to support African countries and partners to prepare for, rapidly detect, and respond to the outbreak. The plan brings together governments, health systems, communities, and partners under a unified “One Response” approach, with a focus on emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, logistics, research, and continuity of essential health services.
From a patient perspective, WPA emphasizes that effective outbreak response must place patients, families, caregivers, communities, and frontline health workers at the centre. Timely access to safe care, clear and trusted information, protection of health workers, and respectful engagement with affected communities are essential to controlling the outbreak and reducing fear, stigma, and misinformation.
The current outbreak has highlighted the urgent need for strong health systems that can respond rapidly to emergencies while continuing to provide essential services for all patients. WPA particularly welcomes the emphasis on community engagement, cross border collaboration, protection of vulnerable populations, and support for essential health services.
As there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics approved for Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, early detection, isolation, supportive care, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, and community trust remain critical. WPA calls on governments, donors, public health agencies, civil society, and patient organizations to work together to ensure that the response is equitable, transparent, evidence based, and responsive to the needs of affected communities.
WPA also stresses the importance of protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of patients and families during outbreak response efforts. Communities must be provided with accurate information, access to care, psychosocial support, and meaningful opportunities to participate in response planning and implementation.
WPA stands in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and neighbouring countries at risk, as well as with the health workers and responders working tirelessly to save lives and prevent further spread. WPA remains committed to advocating for patient-centred emergency preparedness and response, stronger health systems, and the inclusion of patient and community voices in all public health emergencies.