African Union Voices Concern over Ebola Outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ADDIS ABABA: The African Union has expressed concern over Ebola outbreaks in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, warning of a growing risk of regional spread across the continent.

In a statement issued from Addis Ababa, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf commended health authorities and frontline workers in both countries for their efforts to contain the outbreaks under difficult conditions.

The AU also welcomed preparedness measures being undertaken by neighbouring states, particularly South Sudan, amid concerns over 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 in the statement.

He said the continent had previously overcome major public health crises through coordination and collective action, adding that African institutions and member states must intensify preparedness and rapid response efforts in countries considered at risk.

The AU said it fully supports the work of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in coordinating a continental response in cooperation with member states, the World Health Organization and humanitarian partners.

The statement comes as East and Central African countries heighten surveillance and border health measures following renewed Ebola cases in the region, raising fears of wider transmission through major transport and trade corridors.

Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have both experienced repeated Ebola outbreaks in recent years, with health authorities often warning that population movement across porous borders increases the risk of regional spread.