SADC joins continental response to Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting continental efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak - caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain - affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi participated in a high-level virtual meeting of African heads of state and international partners, convened by African Union Chairperson President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi. The outbreak, first confirmed in May 2026, has largely affected Ituri Province in eastern DRC, with imported cases subsequently reported in Uganda. The absence of an approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, combined with intense population mobility and insecurity in affected areas, has heightened regional concern.
The meeting, which drew participation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya, called for increased financial and technical support for the joint response plan led by Africa CDC and the WHO. SADC said it is strengthening disease surveillance systems, promoting cross-border information sharing and enhancing coordination with Member States and international partners to minimise the risk of further transmission. The outbreak carries direct implications for travel and tourism across the region, with cross-border mobility and preparedness in transit countries remaining key concerns for the broader Southern African travel industry.
