Africa CDC Director Kaseya says Ebola outbreak threatens global spread

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that the current Ebola outbreak is no longer contained to the continent.

Kaseya announced that the total case count has reached 10,091, with almost 5,000 deaths. He compared the geographic spread of the virus to the early stages of the Covid pandemic, noting that the outbreak has affected three distinct African regions for the first time. He urged leaders in Europe and North America to increase preparedness levels and treatment capabilities immediately.

The director general specifically warned that the United Kingdom is not safe if it does not take appropriate measures. He noted that during the start of the Covid crisis, many nations believed the risk was zero before becoming major hotspots months later. Kaseya expressed a desire to prevent the UK and other non-African countries from becoming similar centers of infection.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, is the 17th recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the largest in the country's history. Health authorities declared an outbreak in Ituri province on May 15, although genetic sequencing indicates the virus was present as early as February. The disease has since spread to Kenya and Uganda. Last week, Nigeria confirmed its first case in Abuja involving a woman who arrived from Uganda. France remains the only non-African country with a confirmed case, identified in June as a doctor returning from the DR Congo.

Of the 10,091 total cases, 10,060 occurred in the DR Congo, accounting for 4,887 deaths. Uganda has reported two deaths, and Kenya has reported two. The response has been hindered by a lack of protective equipment, unpaid wages for health workers, and ongoing conflict in affected areas. Kaseya noted that vaccine trials are currently underway, with results expected within three to six months.

Kaseya plans to meet with African health ministers this Wednesday to discuss cross-border cooperation and entry screening. He will later meet with African heads of state in November to propose a "corridor of peace" in conflict zones to allow medical staff access. He stated that health workers in Ituri province are unable to support populations due to insecurity, requiring an agreement to protect both civilians and medical teams.

The director general called for immediate financial support, noting that governments pledged $3 billion but more than $2 billion remains unpaid. African countries have committed $120 million, with the remainder expected from international donors including the US, UK, and EU. Kaseya stated that if the outbreak spreads to other continents, the cost to stop it could reach trillions of dollars.