This outbreak will not be contained by medical response alone; it requires safe access, community trust, and a “Corridor of Peace” to allow responders to reach affected communities.
This was my message yesterday during the high-level ministerial discussion on the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, convened with H.E. Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) and Ministers from affected and at-risk countries.
In eastern DRC, insecurity, population mobility and access constraints are complicating surveillance, contact tracing, case management, safe burials and community engagement.
@AfricaCDC is working with Member States, @WHO, the European Union, the @_AfricanUnion and partners to strengthen coordination, support frontline responders and reduce the risk of further spread.
#AfricaResponds #AfricaCDC #EbolaResponse #HealthSecurity
The rapid detection & management of 19 confirmed #Ebola cases, of whom 5 are local transmission,
has demonstrated effectiveness of #Uganda response system.This affirms our capacity to contain outbreak & handle further potential spillover— though such a scenario remains unlikely
Speed of response is everything, and it's still lagging far behind. Essential explainer on the Congo Ebola outbreak from @JeremyKonyndyk. https://t.co/z3puWzs5eh
Can Remdesivir help treat Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BDBV)?
I am pleased to share our latest research, which provides important evidence supporting the potential use of Remdesivirfor the treatment of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BDBV). Despite significant advances in Ebola therapeutics, treatment options for Bundibugyo ebolavirus remain limited. Remdesivir, a broad-spectrum antiviral, acts by targeting the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP)—a key enzyme required for viral replication.
Using genomic and structural biology approaches, we analysed viral sequences from the 2026 Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak and assessed the interaction between Remdesivir and the viral RdRP protein. Our findings showed that the RdRP region remains highly conserved, with no mutations detected in the drug-binding region. Furthermore, molecular modelling demonstrated that Remdesivir binds strongly within the active pocket of the RdRP protein, supporting its ability to inhibit viral replication.
These findings provide a strong scientific rationale for evaluating Remdesivir as a treatment option during the current outbreak. The evidence suggests that the greatest benefit may be achieved when the drug is administered early after symptom onset or potentially as post-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk contacts.
As outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging pathogens continue to challenge global health systems, rapid use of genomic and computational tools can help identify effective therapeutic options and inform outbreak response strategies.
I look forward to discussing these findings and their implications for improving preparedness and treatment of Ebola virus disease. Thanks to great collaboration between Ugandan and Canadian scientists, and myself in UK linking Uganda and Canada.
@MinofHealthUG@ICER_Global@DalhousieU@UgandaMediaCent@Infection_StAnd@StAndMedicine@SStaahr@Hskyobe@Lung_Institute@Makerere@MWayengera@winterzie@brucekirenga@ByakikaPauline@AfricaCDC@WHOAFRO@WHOUganda@WHO
https://t.co/tG55yCIA3e
Thank you @kasujja; there are a lot more people involve here—we simply offer leadership. From the cleaner who washes the floors; the Red Cross staff who helps triage, ambulance drivers, surveillance teams, laboratory guys etc. Thank you for recognizing them🧎🏽♂️🙏
@kasujja Deeper understanding of societal issues requires understanding the Society itself. There’s no better way to do this except through ‘participatory observational techniques’ ……… and this is the bedrock of communication……… you’re spot on, ED @kasujja
This is 17 March 2017 , L-R : Uhuru Kenyatta, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn , H.E Salva Kiir of South Sudan , Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of Somalia & Gen. @KagutaMuseveni in an IGAD Summit on Somalian refugees at Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
A high-level Ministerial Meeting on cross-border coordination for the Ebola outbreak response is underway at Speke Resort Munyonyo, bringing together regional leaders and partners to strengthen collaboration, preparedness and response.
The meeting is attended by Permanent Secretary Dr. @DianaAtwine, Africa CDC Director General Dr. @Dr_JeanKaseya, Ministers of Health from DRC and South Sudan, alongside partners working to develop a coordinated response strategy.
Dr. Diana Atwine called for commitment, and transparency, emphasizing that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.”
Dr. Jean Kaseya applauded H.E. @KagutaMuseveni for his swift leadership and Uganda’s rapid response efforts, while commending Dr. Atwine for steering the national response. He stressed that this outbreak response “will be led by Africa, for Africa, and by Africans.”
The Minister of Health from DRC, Dr. Roger Samuel Kamba noted that outbreaks do not respect borders, highlighting the need for coordinated measures to protect communities.
The Minister of Health from South Sudan, Hon. Luke Thompson appreciated the timely convening of the meeting, noting that regional strength lies in unity and readiness. He emphasized that community engagement and public trust remain central to an effective response.
A joint communique will be developed at the end of the meeting. #MOHatWork | #FightEbolaUG26