The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Jean Kaseya, has warned that Africa shouldn’t be but successful the struggle in opposition to the continuing Ebola outbreak, as confirmed cases have surpassed 10,000 and deaths strategy 5,000.
Mr Kaseya made the remarks on Wednesday at a unprecedented assembly of African well being ministers convened to debate the outbreak and strengthen a coordinated continental response.
“I have worked on Ebola outbreaks for more than 30 years. I have never stopped feeling the weight of each life lost,” Mr Kaseya mentioned.
“Yesterday I stood before more than 40 African Ministers and said what the data tells us: we are not winning so far. 10,172 confirmed cases. 4,932 people are gone.”
He mentioned the ministers agreed to organize each nation for potential Ebola cases, coordinate responses throughout borders and hold borders open whereas strengthening surveillance.
“Ebola anywhere in Africa demands preparedness everywhere in Africa. We will get there, together,” he mentioned.
Ebola outbreak
The present outbreak is attributable to the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus, and was first declared within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2026.
According to the newest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the outbreak has recorded 10,172 confirmed cases and 4,932 deaths throughout 5 international locations: DRC, Uganda, France, Kenya and Nigeria.
The DRC accounts for almost all of the cases, with 10,141 confirmed cases and 4,928 deaths as of 26 October. It has affected eight provinces.
Kenya has recorded 9 confirmed cases and two deaths, whereas Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, alongside one possible case and one possible loss of life.
France and Nigeria recorded one imported case every, with no deaths.
The first Nigerian case was confirmed on 20 October after a traveller with a historical past of journey to Uganda examined constructive for the virus. The affected person was subsequently medically evacuated to Switzerland, whereas contacts proceed to be monitored.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), 54 contacts linked to the Nigerian case had been traced and have been below follow-up as of 26 October.
Africa’s response
Mr Kaseya mentioned the dimensions of the outbreak requires international locations throughout the continent to strengthen preparedness even the place no lively cases have been detected.
He mentioned the assembly introduced collectively greater than 40 African well being ministers and that international locations agreed to work collectively on surveillance, preparedness and cross-border coordination.
He additionally highlighted the financial and social penalties of the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, saying about 5 million kids have been saved out of college, about 23,000 kids misplaced their dad and mom and almost $3 billion in gross home product was misplaced.
“We already know what an uncontrolled Ebola outbreak costs,” he mentioned. “The data is hard to hear, but it is also our best chance to change course.”
READ ALSO: Ebola: Survivors can transmit virus by way of intercourse, however not sweat or saliva – WHO
WHO has suggested in opposition to restrictions on journey to or commerce with affected international locations, whereas emphasising continued surveillance and preparedness due to the danger of cross-border transmission.
Nigeria’s case has additionally raised questions on how the virus is transferring throughout the area. Genomic sequencing confirmed that the virus detected in Nigeria is carefully associated to the pressure recognized in Kenya, with the 2 samples differing by a single mutation, in keeping with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate.
However, Mr Pate mentioned the discovering doesn’t set up a direct epidemiological hyperlink between Nigeria’s case and Kenya’s first confirmed case. Further investigation is required to find out how the virus reached Nigeria.
Discover extra from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your e-mail.
