Africa CDC Warns Ebola Outbreak Is Outpacing Response as Funding Gaps Deepen

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has recorded more than 1,700 confirmed cases and over 580 deaths since it was declared in May.

Unlike the more common Zaire strain, Bundibugyo currently has no approved vaccine or dedicated treatment, although clinical trials are underway to identify effective therapies. Neighbouring Uganda has also confirmed infections linked to the outbreak. The latest figures were outlined in Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya's interview on the response.

A major concern is weak contact tracing, with only about 60% of contacts currently being monitored.

According to Dr. Jean Kaseya, thousands of potentially exposed people remain untraced, allowing the virus to spread through conflict-affected communities where insecurity, displacement and overstretched health services continue to hamper response efforts.

Funding has emerged as another critical challenge. Africa CDC launched a six-month regional response plan requiring US$518 million, but less than half of the target has been secured.

Kaseya warned that delayed financing is slowing surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment centres and community engagement at a time when rapid intervention is essential.

Health officials have also expressed concern that the outbreak may have been circulating weeks before its official confirmation, highlighting the consequences of weakened disease surveillance systems.

Kaseya said cuts to funding for laboratories, community health workers and rapid-response teams increase the likelihood of late detection, allowing outbreaks to grow before they are identified.

The absence of an approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo variant means health authorities must rely on early diagnosis, isolation, supportive treatment, infection prevention, safe burials and community cooperation to slow transmission.

While treatment trials have now begun in the DRC, officials stress that scientific research alone cannot replace immediate public health action. WHO's Ebola treatment trial for the Bundibugyo outbreak began enrolling patients earlier this month.

Africa CDC has warned that a worst-case projection could see confirmed cases rise to 66,000 by September if transmission continues unchecked. Although officials stress this is a modelling scenario rather than a prediction, they say it underscores the cost of delayed action and insufficient funding.

Dr. Kaseya also called for stronger community engagement, saying trust remains central to containing the outbreak.

He urged governments and humanitarian partners to ensure local leaders, women, youth groups and Ebola survivors are actively involved in response efforts, while safeguarding measures are strengthened to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable communities.

Despite mounting challenges, Africa CDC maintains that the outbreak can still be contained if resources reach frontline responders quickly.

The agency is urging international partners to immediately release pledged funding, strengthen regional preparedness and support the DRC's response before the virus gains further ground.