A crucial step has been taken in the fight against the Bundibugyo virus disease, a type of Ebola, currently affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), working alongside Uganda’s Ministry of Health and various partners, have inaugurated a new, centralized coordination platform. This initiative, known as the Joint Africa CDC–WHO AFRO Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST), is strategically based at the Infectious Diseases Institute at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and is set to become fully operational from June 29, 2026. This platform marks a significant shift from remote oversight to a physically co-located command center, enhancing the daily support provided to national health authorities. Its primary goal is to bolster the response to the ongoing outbreak, which poses a considerable public health threat across the region. As of late June 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 1,274 confirmed cases across 34 health zones, while Uganda has identified 20 confirmed cases in two districts, all directly linked to cross-border transmission from eastern DRC. This partnership underscores a shared dedication to safeguarding the health and security of people throughout the continent, emphasizing that collective action strengthens defenses against such formidable diseases. ## Understanding Bundibugyo Virus Disease The Bundibugyo virus disease is one of six known species within the Ebolavirus genus, infamous for causing severe, often fatal, illness in humans. It belongs to the family Filoviridae and is characterized by its capacity to trigger hemorrhagic fever. Like other Ebola strains, it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can jump from animals to humans, with bats being suspected natural hosts. Once in the human population, the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirectly through contact with environments contaminated with such fluids. Symptoms can be non-specific initially, including fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and sore throat, making early diagnosis challenging. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Early detection and rapid, supportive medical care are vital for improving survival rates. ## The Role of the Continental Incident Management Support Team The newly established Continental IMST is a powerhouse of expertise, bringing together technical specialists from the WHO, Africa CDC, and other collaborating organizations under a unified leadership structure. By physically co-locating these experts in Kampala, the team can streamline several critical functions. These include operational planning for containment and response, robust disease surveillance to track the virus’s spread, and effective case management protocols for treating patients. The team will also manage logistics for essential supplies, develop targeted risk communication strategies to inform and protect communities, and ensure efficient information management. Furthermore, it will foster strong partner engagement and facilitate rapid decision-making and resource allocation, ensuring that assistance reaches affected areas swiftly. This coordinated approach is not just about responding to the current outbreak but also about supporting health emergency preparedness activities in ten priority countries across the region, building resilience for future health crises. ## A Unified Approach: One Plan, One Response The operational philosophy of the IMST is encapsulated in the principles of “one plan, one team, one budget, and one monitoring and evaluation framework.” This framework is designed to eliminate duplication of efforts, enhance coordination among diverse partners, and ensure that all support aligns seamlessly with national priorities. Dr. Marie-Roseline Belizaire, Regional Emergencies Director for the WHO African Region, highlighted this commitment, stating, “One plan to align our priorities. One budget to direct resources where they are most needed. One response to ensure that every partner, every country and every team is moving in the same direction: stopping transmission and saving lives.” This emphasis on unity is crucial for maximizing the impact of available resources and expertise in a complex cross-border emergency. The initiative reflects a shared understanding that pathogens do not respect borders, and therefore, the response must be equally boundless and collaborative. ## Addressing Cross-Border Challenges and Regional Security Outbreaks like the Bundibugyo virus disease underscore the inherent challenges of managing diseases that cross national boundaries. The close proximity and frequent movement of people between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda create pathways for rapid disease transmission. A localized response in one country, no matter how effective, can be undermined if neighboring regions remain vulnerable. This IMST directly addresses this by fostering continuous collaboration and shared strategies. It complements national leadership, ensuring that local efforts are amplified and supported by a continental network of resources and expertise. The operational hub will also work in tandem with a regional logistics platform situated in Entebbe, Uganda. This logistical synergy will facilitate the rapid deployment of vital medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), technical specialists, and other critical resources to both affected and at-risk communities, crucial for containing the virus and protecting frontline workers. ## Prevention, Treatment, and Community Engagement Effective outbreak control relies heavily on a multi-pronged strategy that includes robust prevention measures, accessible treatment, and active community engagement. Prevention strategies for Ebola-like viruses involve strict hygiene practices, safe burial rituals to prevent transmission from deceased individuals, and avoiding contact with wild animals that might carry the virus. For those infected, treatment primarily involves supportive care, managing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and addressing complications. In recent years, significant strides have been made in developing experimental therapies and vaccines for certain Ebola strains, although their availability and efficacy for Bundibugyo virus specifically are continually under review and development. Crucially, communicating accurate information to the public and engaging communities in prevention efforts are paramount. When communities understand the risks and how to protect themselves, they become active participants in the response, which is vital for interrupting transmission chains and building trust in public health interventions. ## Looking Ahead: Building Health Resilience The establishment of the Continental IMST is more than just a reaction to the current outbreak; it is an investment in long-term health resilience for the African continent. By strengthening coordination, reducing redundancy, and aligning partner support with national needs, the IMST serves as a model for future emergency responses. As Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, Director of Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at Africa CDC, stated, “Pathogens do not respect borders and neither can our response. This outbreak is not confined to a single country—it is an urgent continental concern.” The launch signifies a proactive and unified stance against infectious diseases, demonstrating that through collaboration, regional health security can be significantly enhanced. This initiative is a testament to the power of partnership, where countries and international bodies come together to safeguard lives and strengthen public health systems against the challenges of emerging and re-emerging infectious threats.