By Akol Vankar
The recent declaration of the 16th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reignited concerns about the virus’s potential to spread across East Africa. With porous borders, shared ecosystems, and mobile populations, the East African Community (EAC) must act decisively to prevent cross-border transmission and improve regional health security.
1. Background: The Origin and Spread of Ebola in East Africa
Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first identified in 1976 during simultaneous outbreaks in Yambuku, DRC (near the Ebola River), and Nzara, South Sudan.
Since then, East Africa has experienced multiple outbreaks, especially in Uganda, South Sudan, and the DRC. The virus is zoonotic, with fruit bats believed to be the natural reservoir. Human infections often start through contact with infected animals such as bats, chimpanzees, or forest antelopes.
2. Current Situation: The 2025 Outbreak in DRC
On September 4, 2025, the DRC Ministry of Health declared a new outbreak of Ebola in Kasai Province. The index case, a 34-year-old pregnant woman, triggered a rapid escalation, with 81 confirmed cases and 28 deaths reported by mid-September 4.
The Zaire strain causes the outbreak, the most lethal variant of the virus. The proximity of Kasai to Angola and the mobility of regional populations heighten the risk of transnational spread.
3. Why East Africa Is at Risk
- Cross-border movement: Trade, migration, and refugee flows increase exposure.
- Weak surveillance systems: Many border districts lack adequate disease detection infrastructure.
- Healthcare vulnerabilities: Limited access to protective gear and trained personnel in rural areas.
- Cultural practices: Traditional burial rituals and community caregiving can accelerate transmission.
4. What the EAC Should Do
- Strengthen Regional Surveillance
- Deploy mobile labs and rapid diagnostic teams at border points.
- Harmonize data sharing protocols among member states.
- Expand Vaccination and Preparedness
- Stockpile Ervebo vaccines and initiate ring vaccination for frontline workers.
- Train health workers in infection prevention and control (IPC), building on recent EAC led initiatives.
- Activate the Regional Rapid Response Mechanism
- Utilize the EAC’s expert pool and simulation frameworks to coordinate cross-border response.
- Integrate efforts with Africa CDC and WHO for technical and logistical support.
- Enhance Risk Communication
- Launch community engagement campaigns to dispel myths and promote safe practices.
- Leverage local leaders and media to build trust and encourage early reporting.
5. Policy Recommendations
- Establish a Regional Ebola Task Force under the EAC Secretariat.
- Mandate routine simulation exercises for outbreak preparedness.
- Allocate emergency funds for rapid deployment and vaccine procurement.
- Include Ebola in national health insurance schemes to reduce treatment barriers.
Conclusion
Ebola is not just a Congolese problem; it is a regional threat. The EAC must treat this outbreak as a wake-up call and invest in long-term resilience. With coordinated action, East Africa can prevent the next epidemic from becoming a catastrophe.
Akol Vankar is Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Student at the George Washington University, USA MS, Nutrition and Policy, Tufts University, USA
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