AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge in Central Africa: WHO reports 452 confirmed Ebola cases and 82 deaths in DR Congo, with Uganda at 19 confirmed cases and two deaths—bringing the regional total to 471 cases and 84 deaths as fears grow the outbreak could rival the 2014 West Africa scale. US Steps Up Support: The US State Department announced nearly $38m more for Ebola response, lifting direct support to over $200m, while CDC modelling warns the outbreak could exceed 20,000 cases in three months without stronger public health action. Uganda Border Pressure: Uganda’s closure of the Congo border over Ebola fears is disrupting trade, with goods reportedly rotting at Mpondwe as authorities tighten movement controls. Kenya Readiness Push: Kenya says 59 suspected Ebola samples tested negative, but officials are still on high alert; the country is accelerating plans for fully operational quarantine centres and intensifying screening at Malaba. Global Response Coordination: Africa CDC and WHO launched a $518m joint response plan to boost surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care, and community engagement across at-risk countries. Case Update Abroad: A US doctor infected in Congo was discharged from Germany’s Charité hospital after tests showed no virus detected and quarantine was lifted. Travel Rules Tightened: Emirates announced UAE entry restrictions for travellers recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan, and suspended new visas for nationals of the three countries.

Ebola Update (DRC-Uganda): The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 452 confirmed Ebola cases and 82 deaths, with 71 new cases in 24 hours and ongoing community transmission; Uganda also confirmed 3 new cases, bringing totals to 19, as contact tracing remains a major gap and response faces funding and treatment capacity shortfalls. Regional Response Plan: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m, six-month joint plan focused on surveillance, contact tracing, medical care, and border screening, warning the outbreak is still “catching up” after delays. Uganda Border Impact: Uganda tightened the Congo border over Ebola fears, leaving traders reporting major losses and long truck queues at Mpondwe. Travel Precautions Abroad: UAE barred entry for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan; Mauritius imposed a temporary entry ban with mandatory quarantine for recent visitors; Kenya screened over 80,000 travellers and tested 56 samples, all negative. Local Health Signal: A suspected Ebola case in India linked to a Uganda visitor was isolated while lab confirmation was awaited. Health & Nutrition (Uganda): A Uganda-focused study linked geriatric malnutrition with higher dementia risk, adding another urgent wellness priority for older adults.

Ebola Response (Uganda): Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases, bringing the total to 19, with the new patients linked to previously confirmed cases and under institutional quarantine; the Ministry also reported one additional death, while 13 patients are in treatment and four have recovered. Ebola Response (WHO/Africa CDC): The WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m, six-month plan (June–November) to tackle the outbreak in DRC and neighbouring Uganda, focusing on coordination, surveillance, lab testing, infection prevention, clinical care and community engagement. Regional Risk (Kenya): Kenya reported it has screened over 80,000 travellers and tested 56 suspected samples, all negative, as authorities keep border screening and rapid response teams on standby. Travel Precautions (UAE): The UAE announced visa suspensions and entry restrictions for arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, effective June 6, as a precautionary measure. Imported-Suspect Alerts (India): India reported a suspected Ebola case in Jaipur involving a woman from Uganda, placed in isolation while samples are sent for testing; separate reports also describe Ebola screening in Hyderabad after fever in Sudanese travellers. Community & Access (Uganda border): At Mpondwe, traders reported losses after Ebola-related border and market restrictions tightened, disrupting movement of perishable goods. Preparedness (Nigeria): Nigeria’s health agency warned the risk of Ebola importation is high, citing porous borders and the need for stronger surveillance and rapid response.

Ebola Response in Uganda & DRC: Uganda confirmed one new imported Ebola case, bringing infections to 16 since the May 15 outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo; health authorities say most patients are in treatment and recovering, while cross-border coordination and expanded screening at entry points (including Entebbe) continue. DRC Outbreak Update: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases rose to 381 with 63 deaths, as testing capacity improved with thousands of kits and contact tracing climbed from about 9% to 55%, though violence and mistrust keep slowing containment. Preparedness Beyond Africa: The UK NHS warned staff to prepare for possible Ebola importation, urging isolation readiness and PPE stock checks; in the US, Milwaukee is monitoring three very low-risk travellers with “no public health concern.” Vaccine Race: With no approved Bundibugyo vaccine, multiple teams are fast-tracking candidates, while WHO leaders warn the virus had a “big head start” and response is still catching up. Youth SRHR Conference: Uganda joined a regional youth reproductive health conference in Kenya, highlighting teenage pregnancy, HIV and substance abuse as urgent gaps needing stronger financing and political will.

Ebola Update (DRC–Uganda): Confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo rose to 363 with 62 deaths, while Uganda reported four recoveries as WHO officials said the outbreak is “catching up” after an early lead by the virus. Regional Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to share real-time response information. Uganda Response: Uganda’s Ministry of Health said it has monitored hundreds of contacts and that confirmed patients were placed in quarantine; meanwhile, Uganda also reported a rise in confirmed cases earlier in the week as containment intensified. Public Health Preparedness: UK hospitals were told to prepare for possible Ebola imports by checking PPE stocks and isolating suspected cases quickly, while other countries tightened screening and travel rules. AIDS Progress (Local Health): Uganda AIDS Commission reported a 64% drop in AIDS-related deaths (2010–2024) and sharp declines in new HIV infections, with the country nearing 95-95-95 targets. Cross-border Disruption: A DRC–Chile World Cup warm-up friendly in Spain was cancelled over Ebola concerns, showing how health alerts are reshaping travel and sports plans.

Ebola in DRC/Uganda: WHO says the Congo outbreak had a “big head start” and the world is “still behind,” even as testing improves and suspected cases drop from 906 to 116; confirmed figures stand at 344 cases and 60 deaths in DRC, with Uganda reporting 15 cases (one fatal). Conflict hits care: ISIS-linked ADF attacks in North Kivu killed 16 in Beni and have repeatedly disrupted Ebola response, worsening fear and access to treatment. Uganda response ramps up: Uganda confirms six more Ebola infections, bringing totals to 15, with hundreds of contacts under monitoring and more people in care. Regional preparedness: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu steps up isolation, lab capacity, and staff training amid cross-border risk. Cross-border screening: Ghana activates Ebola screening for arrivals from Uganda and DRC. Vaccine and trials push: WHO convenes experts on Bundibugyo treatments and vaccines, urging products be used only in clinical trials; EMA and African regulators coordinate trial readiness. Kenya quarantine controversy: Kenya’s court orders disclosure and extends a block on a US-linked Ebola quarantine facility after deadly protests; flights bring equipment and specialists. UAE status: UAE confirms no Ebola cases and says preparedness measures are active.

Ebola Update (DRC & Uganda): WHO chief Tedros warned the outbreak still has a “big head start” as confirmed cases in DR Congo rose to 344 (60 deaths) while suspected cases were sharply cut to 116 after testing ruled out many Ebola-like illnesses; Uganda reported 15 confirmed cases and one death, with WHO stressing contact tracing coverage is still too low and community trust remains a major hurdle. Uganda Focus: Uganda’s confirmed infections climbed to 15 as health authorities continue monitoring and screening linked to the cross-border outbreak. Kenya Preparedness & Politics: Kenya’s Health CS Aden Duale told Parliament the country is intensifying surveillance and isolation readiness in high-risk counties, while also urging leaders not to politicise Ebola measures; at the same time, protests and court orders continue to surround a proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia, with the US embassy insisting it poses no risk to nearby communities. Regional Disruption: DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up friendly against Chile was cancelled in Spain over Ebola health concerns, adding to the wider knock-on effects on travel and public life. Security Compounding Health: Reuters reported Islamic State-linked fighters killed 16 civilians in eastern Congo near areas where Ebola cases have been recorded, underlining how conflict is making response harder. Prevention Messaging: Nigeria said it has no Bundibugyo Ebola cases but has activated airport and border screening and public awareness to reduce importation risk.

Ebola Update (Uganda): Uganda’s Health Ministry confirmed six new Ebola infections, bringing confirmed cases to 15; one death has been recorded and 12 patients are in treatment, with two recoveries and discharge. Ebola Update (DRC): In eastern DRC, confirmed cases rose to 321 with 48 deaths, while WHO says suspected cases were sharply revised down to 116 after lab testing ruled out many earlier “Ebola-like” illnesses. Cross-border Response: Uganda says follow-up contacts have surged to 580 and plans a mobile Ebola treatment centre in Ituri to reduce importation risk. Regional Preparedness (EU/WHO): The EU and WHO stepped up support with €15m for emergency operations and a humanitarian air bridge delivering supplies to eastern DRC. Vaccine Push: CEPI and partners fast-tracked three Bundibugyo vaccine candidates with over $60m, as global efforts race ahead of clinical results. Public Fear & Access: In DRC camps, displaced families fear outbreaks could “wipe out” communities, while volunteers keep feeding patients and health workers. Kenya Spillover (Court/Protests): Kenya’s court extended a block on a proposed US Ebola quarantine facility after deadly protests, ordering disclosure of the deal.

Ebola Update (DRC & Uganda): WHO says confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo now stand at 321 with 48 deaths, while suspected cases have sharply dropped to 116 after hundreds were ruled out following testing; in Uganda, the health ministry confirmed six new cases (total confirmed: 15) among contacts of earlier patients, with one associated death. Uganda Response: Uganda reports 12 patients admitted and two discharged, while authorities intensify contact tracing, surveillance, and public alerts for early reporting of Ebola-like symptoms. Kenya Quarantine Controversy: Kenya’s High Court extended a block on a proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine facility near Nanyuki for three more weeks and ordered the government to disclose agreements and protocols; protests turned deadly with reports of two deaths, as President William Ruto defended the plan as part of preparedness. Regional Aid & Preparedness: India delivered a second tranche of medical supplies to Africa CDC (43 tons) for protective gear, diagnostics, medicines, and monitoring tools; meanwhile, a Chinese expert team arrived in Kinshasa to support DRC’s response. Response Challenges in DRC: Reports highlight attacks on Ebola treatment centers and community backlash, alongside strained health systems and aid gaps, complicating outbreak control.

Ebola Response, Uganda & DRC: WHO reports five recoveries from the Bundibugyo Ebola strain in eastern DR Congo as a new treatment centre opens in Bunia, while Africa CDC says suspected cases in DR Congo and Uganda are still above 1,100 and travel-linked monitoring continues in Europe and the Americas. Vaccine Race: CEPI and partners are fast-tracking three Ebola vaccine candidates, with Moderna and others receiving major funding to move toward trials for the Bundibugyo strain. Travel Curbs Debate: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns that blanket travel bans can discourage reporting and disrupt health work, as multiple countries tighten entry rules and airlines adjust routes, including KLM suspending Uganda flights. Kenya Quarantine Controversy: Kenya’s court and residents’ protests challenge a US-backed plan to quarantine Ebola-exposed Americans at Laikipia Air Base, with President Ruto defending the facility as part of long-term health security cooperation. Local Policy Watch: Uganda’s Parliament begins vetting new health-related ministerial nominees amid rising outbreak pressure, while Uganda also revises an NGO funding proposal to protect civil society independence.

Ebola in focus (DRC & Uganda): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak keeps accelerating, with Congo’s confirmed cases rising to 282 and deaths climbing, while Uganda reports nine confirmed cases and one death; Africa CDC says 580 contacts are under follow-up in Uganda and warns the lack of licensed vaccines plus heavy cross-border movement could fuel wider spread. Global spread watch (Brazil/Europe): Brazil is monitoring two suspected Ebola cases after arrivals from Uganda/DRC—one tested positive for malaria, another for meningitis—and Italy also reported a suspected case that tested negative. Vaccine race: CEPI pledged about $60m to speed up three Ebola vaccine candidates for Bundibugyo, including Moderna’s mRNA effort (up to $50m) and other partners. Response under pressure: WHO chief Tedros visited the outbreak epicentre and highlighted the need for faster detection, isolation, contact tracing, safe burials, and stronger infection control; meanwhile, aid groups warn the outbreak may have been spreading undetected for months. Regional health politics (Kenya): Protests erupted in Kenya against a planned US-linked Ebola quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base, after a court temporarily halted the move. Uganda health operations: UPDF says it will continue anti-ADF operations in eastern DRC while observing Ebola prevention measures and SOPs.

Ebola recoveries & treatment access: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says five patients have recovered from the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain in Bunia, with four discharged and one earlier—while Uganda has confirmed nine cases and one death. Uganda response & cross-border pressure: Uganda’s MoH has urged strict guidance for male Ebola survivors, including avoiding intimacy for six months, as the outbreak in eastern DRC keeps expanding. Regional coordination: The East African Community will hold an emergency virtual meeting of health ministers (June 1–2) to coordinate surveillance, labs, PPE and risk communication. Travel disruptions hitting Uganda: KLM cancelled Entebbe flights due to Ebola-linked entry restrictions, and the UAE issued travel advisories warning citizens to avoid Uganda and other affected countries unless absolutely necessary. Outbreak scale & uncertainty: Africa CDC says there are 263 confirmed cases across DRC and Uganda with 43 deaths, and over 1,100 suspected cases under investigation. Global watch: Brazil and Italy are investigating Ebola-like cases in travellers returning from DRC/Uganda, even as other diagnoses (like meningitis or malaria) are reported.

Ebola Response in DRC-Uganda: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus opened a new Ebola treatment centre in Bunia, eastern DRC, confirming five recoveries from the rare Bundibugyo strain and urging communities to cooperate, especially around safer handling of bodies amid protests and attacks on health facilities. Outbreak Numbers: WHO and Africa CDC report 263 confirmed cases across DRC and Uganda with 43 deaths, while more than 1,100 suspected cases are still under investigation. Community Trust & Access: Tedros stressed that “everybody’s business” approach and early presentation to health facilities are key, as conflict, displacement, food shortages and mistrust are slowing containment. Cross-Border & Travel Pressure: Uganda says it will keep joint anti-ADF operations while following Ebola SOPs; meanwhile, Brazil is monitoring suspected cases after travellers from Uganda/DRC, highlighting how the outbreak is driving global screening and advisories. Regional Coordination: Africa CDC calls for faster, locally led response and warns the epidemic could spread further without sustained preparedness.

Ebola Response in Eastern DRC: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Bunia, Ituri, urging early care, safe burials, and stronger coordination as the outbreak outpaces response; he warned travel bans and border closures can discourage transparency and trust. Case Surge & Regional Spread: DRC figures cited include 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with suspected totals now above 1,000, while Uganda reports nine confirmed cases. Community Trust & Safety: WHO and partners stress “community ownership” to tackle misinformation and mistrust, as health systems face insecurity and limited lab capacity. MSF Warning: Médecins Sans Frontières says the situation is “deeply alarming,” with hundreds of samples untested and aid/logistics delayed. School Guidance in DRC: Health Minister Roger Kamba says schools in eastern provinces will not be closed; instead, preventive measures will be strengthened after deaths of at least five students linked to delayed care and self-medication. Uganda-Specific Health Advice: Uganda’s MoH advises Ebola survivors to avoid intimacy for up to six months or use condoms consistently, citing possible virus persistence in semen. Travel Advisories: UAE urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda, DRC and South Sudan; Zambia reported clearing two suspected cases while ramping screening.

Ebola Watch (DRC–Uganda): Africa CDC DG Jean Kaseya warns the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could spread to up to 12 countries, after early testing missed the strain and confirmation came later in Kinshasa. WHO Update: WHO reports 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths in DR Congo, with a “huge” death rate (30–50%) among confirmed cases; the first patient has recovered after two negative tests. Uganda Response: Uganda-linked cases in Kampala are rising, and officials warn about possible sexual transmission while Red Cross teams prepare safe transport and dignified burials. Wild Meat Link: Experts highlight how hunting, butchering and processing wild animals can fuel zoonotic spillovers, stressing a “one health” approach. Cross-Border Measures: Uganda shuts its border with DRC; Nigeria’s NCDC places states on high alert for importation risk. Travel & Screening: As FIFA World Cup travel ramps up, US, Canada and Mexico impose Ebola-related entry restrictions and airport screening; JFK begins checks for arrivals from affected countries. Kenya Quarantine Controversy: A Kenyan court temporarily blocks a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility for Americans exposed in the region. Aid & Treatments: UNICEF delivers emergency supplies to Congo; WHO prioritises candidate vaccines and treatments for clinical trials, including two vaccine candidates and key therapeutic options.

Ebola in Uganda: Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed two more Ebola cases in Kampala, bringing the total to nine confirmed infections (with one death). The new patients include one showing symptoms and another linked to a prior case; rapid response teams isolated the symptomatic patient and began contact follow-up. WHO update: The WHO says the DRC outbreak is still moving fast, with 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths under investigation, while it also reports the first confirmed recovery in the current DRC outbreak after two negative tests. Community-first prevention: WHO stresses early detection and community mobilisation, noting Ebola spreads through close contact with body fluids and that families must avoid unsafe handling of sick people. Cross-border pressure: Uganda has closed its border with the DRC and ordered 21-day quarantine for arrivals. Global travel screening: The US expanded Ebola entry screening to JFK, alongside other major airports, rerouting travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan for monitoring. Kenya court halt: Kenya’s High Court temporarily suspended a US plan for an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya after legal challenges and public backlash. Neonatal care: Separate from Ebola, new guidance highlights that immediate kangaroo mother care can boost survival for premature babies.