AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) calls for stronger investments in Ebola preparedness and response as the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda underscores the continued threat posed by the deadly disease and the urgent need to strengthen public health systems across Africa. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

While progress has been made in outbreak detection and response, recurring Ebola emergencies continue to expose critical gaps in research, surveillance, community awareness, and access to essential medical supplies. AHF is urging governments, donors, and global health institutions to prioritize investments that strengthen preparedness now and before future outbreaks occur.

“Ebola remains a serious public health threat, and every outbreak is a reminder that preparedness cannot be treated as an afterthought,” said Dr. Kate Ssamula, AHF Africa Deputy Bureau Chief and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation. “We need greater investment in research, stronger community education efforts, better regional access to personal protective equipment [PPE] and laboratory supplies, and transparent and accurate reporting from health authorities, namely the World Health Organization and Africa CDC. Strengthening Africa CDC’s capacity to coordinate and respond to outbreaks is also essential to protecting lives and preventing future health emergencies.”

AHF also urges increased support for local manufacturing across Africa because the continent remains heavily dependent on external suppliers for critical health commodities, including PPE, vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools. Expanding regional production capacity would improve outbreak readiness, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and strengthen long-term health security.

As Ebola outbreaks continue to emerge, AHF calls on global leaders to work alongside African governments and institutions to build more resilient health systems capable of detecting, containing, and responding to Ebola and other infectious disease threats quickly and effectively. AHF supports a regionally led response in the current outbreak, for which Africa CDC is the most relevant and timely institution to coordinate preparedness and response efforts.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 3 million people across 50 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. In January 2025, AHF received the MLK, Jr. Social Justice Award, The King Center’s highest recognition for an organization leading work in the social justice arena. To learn more about AHF, visit us online at AIDShealth.org, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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Ebola remains a serious public health threat, and every outbreak is a reminder that preparedness cannot be treated as an afterthought.