## African Nations Unite to Tackle Bundibugyo Virus Disease In a critical move to safeguard public health across the continent, thirteen African countries have converged in Kampala, Uganda, for a high-level meeting aimed at bolstering their collective readiness against the formidable Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). Organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in partnership with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and other key technical partners, this gathering signifies a decisive commitment to regional cooperation in the face of emerging viral threats. The three-day summit brings together public health leaders, emergency response managers, and experts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda – the two nations directly affected by a recent BVD outbreak – alongside eleven other high-risk African Union Member States. These include Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia, highlighting the wide-reaching concern for this severe illness. ## Understanding Bundibugyo Virus Disease Bundibugyo virus disease belongs to the *Ebolavirus* genus, known for causing severe hemorrhagic fevers. It is one of several types of Ebolavirus, and like its more well-known cousin, Ebola virus disease (EVD), BVD can be highly deadly. The virus is named after the Bundibugyo district in Uganda, where it was first identified during an outbreak in 2007. Understanding this virus is crucial for effective prevention and response. The incubation period for BVD, the time from infection to the appearance of symptoms, typically ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms can be vague and non-specific, often including sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. These severe manifestations underscore the urgent need for robust public health interventions. ## How Bundibugyo Virus Spreads Bundibugyo virus is primarily transmitted to humans from wild animals, likely bats or other infected forest animals. Once a human is infected, the virus can spread to others through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other body fluids of infected people, and from contaminated surfaces and materials. This includes contact with objects like clothing or bedding that have been soiled with infected fluids. Healthcare workers are particularly at risk if appropriate infection prevention and control measures are not rigorously followed. Transmission can also occur through contact with the body of a person who has died from BVD, especially during traditional burial rituals where mourners may have direct contact with the deceased. This highlights the vital importance of safe and dignified burial practices, as well as clear and culturally sensitive risk communication to communities. ## The Urgent Call for Preparedness The immediate catalyst for this high-level meeting was the declaration of a Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 15, 2026. The swift escalation of this situation led the World Health Organization to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) just two days later. Africa CDC soon followed suit, classifying it as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. These declarations underscore the potential for the virus to spread rapidly across borders and pose a significant threat to regional and global health security. In response, Africa CDC, WHO AFRO, and their partners swiftly activated a continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) and published a joint action plan, laying the groundwork for coordinated intervention. The Kampala meeting is a direct outcome of this proactive approach, aiming to translate plans into tangible operational readiness. ## Key Focus Areas for Enhanced Readiness Throughout the three days, participants are diving deep into several critical areas to strengthen their defenses. A major emphasis is placed on **surveillance and epidemiology**, which involves closely monitoring disease patterns, quickly detecting new cases, and understanding how the virus is moving through populations. Robust laboratory networks are essential for accurate diagnosis, allowing for timely confirmation of cases and preventing misdiagnosis. **Emergency operations** and **case management** are also high on the agenda. This includes reviewing how health facilities manage patients, ensuring proper isolation protocols, and providing supportive care since there is currently no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and supporting the patient's immune system. Recognizing the reality of human mobility, discussions are keenly focused on **Points of Entry (PoE)** – borders, airports, and ports. Strengthening screening, referral, and transport mechanisms at these crucial junctures is paramount to containing cross-border spread. Furthermore, **risk communication and community engagement** are vital components. Effective communication strategies ensure that communities understand the risks, know how to protect themselves, and trust public health authorities. ## Embracing the One Health Approach A critical element discussed is the **One Health** approach. This concept recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Given that BVD originates from animals, a One Health strategy involves collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. This means working with veterinarians, wildlife experts, and environmental scientists to understand the animal reservoirs of the virus and implement strategies to prevent spillover events from animals to humans. Such an integrated approach is essential for long-term prevention and control of zoonotic diseases like BVD. ## Moving from Plans to Action: Simulation Exercises and Roadmaps A practical highlight of the meeting includes simulation exercises. These realistic drills allow countries to test their contingency plans, stress-test coordination channels, and identify any operational gaps or weaknesses. By simulating real-world scenarios, teams can practice rapid detection, patient referral, isolation procedures, and coordinated response efforts, ensuring they are better prepared when a real outbreak occurs. As Dr. Tolbert Nyenswah, Director of the Center for Public Health Emergencies Management and Incident Manager of the Continental IMST from Africa CDC, articulated, the goal is to move “from plans to operational readiness at borders, in communities, in health facilities and inside emergency operations centres.” Similarly, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, emphasized the undeniable importance of cross-border collaboration and solidarity with affected communities. The meeting is set to conclude with a series of key recommendations and a regional roadmap. This roadmap will serve as a guiding document, outlining concrete steps for strengthening preparedness and fostering sustained cross-border collaboration against Bundibugyo virus disease. This united front underscores Africa's determination to proactively address health security challenges and protect its citizens from deadly infectious diseases.