Alfred Ssekagiri

🔴 HAPPENING TODAY: Join us for the second emergency briefing on the Ebola Disease (Bundibugyo virus) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda. Hosted by H.E. @Dr_JeanKaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, the briefing will feature Hon. Dr @rogerkamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare of the DRC; Dr @DianaAtwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Uganda; and Hon. Luke Thompson Thoan, Minister of Health of the Republic of South Sudan. The session will provide the latest updates on the outbreak, ongoing response efforts, and urgent regional coordination measures following the DG’s high-level engagements with H.E. Yoweri @KagutaMuseveni, President of Uganda, and a subsequent strategic meeting, as well as his visit to the epicenter in Bunia. 📅 Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026 🕓 Time: • 15:00 | EAT (GMT+3) • 14:00 | SAST (GMT+2) • 13:00 | CAT (GMT+1) • 12:00 | WAT (GMT) 🔗 Register to participate: africacdc-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist… #HealthSecurity #EbolaResponse @GovUganda

Looking to find out more about genomic epidemiology and Hantavirus/ANDV? I'll be chairing a excellent panel of experts tomorrow (alongside some great opening speakers) - stop by and hear what they have to say!

In this #nanoporeconf masterclass, find the right human whole-genome sequencing workflow to meet your experimental goals. We’ll cover whole-genome analysis in just 24 hours, through to scaling sequencing for large cohort research. nanoporetech.com/about/events/c…

📣Registration is now open for the 1st UK Virome Forum meeting, on 5–6 October at @UofGlasgow . This two-day event will bring together researchers using genomic approaches to study viromes. More info and registration: tinyurl.com/ukvf-2026 @CVRinfo

Scientists from INRB, together with partners and Uganda’s Ministry of Health teams, have released the first genome sequences from the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. 🔗 virological.org/t/initial-geno… #INRB #Ebola #Bundibugyo #Genomics #DRC #Uganda

The number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo has risen to 395, including 106 people who died, according to Africa CDC.

One of the most encouraging things to see in this #Ebola outbreak response is how quickly #Uganda and partners have shared genomic sequence data publicly through @pathoplexus Rapid, transparent data sharing is critical for diagnostics, surveillance, research, and accelerating development of medical countermeasures especially for a rare #Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak where approved vaccines and therapeutics are lacking. This is exactly the kind of global scientific collaboration we need during emerging infectious disease threats. pathoplexus.org/ebola-bdbv/sea…

Following the declaration of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda, and its designation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by @WHO, the @MinofHealthUG has developed a comprehensive response plan to guide coordinated interventions. The plan is aimed at rapidly interrupting transmission of the Bundibugyo strain of EVD, reducing morbidity and mortality, and minimizing associated social and economic disruption. Specific objectives of the response plan are to: ✓Rapidly detect, isolate, and manage all suspected and confirmed cases ✓Strengthen risk communication and community engagement to promote public awareness and trust ✓Enhance data management systems to ensure the timely availability of information for public health action ✓Provide quality care and treatment for all cases while ensuring the safety of health workers and communities ✓Ensure the availability and efficient management of essential supplies and logistics ✓Maintain and strengthen the continuity of essential health services Implementation Arrangements: Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, the response plan will be implemented through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach structured around the following operational pillars: ✓Surveillance ✓Laboratory services ✓Case management (including Infection Prevention and Control, safe and dignified burials, and psychosocial support) ✓Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) ✓Risk communication, public health awareness, and community engagement ✓Logistics and supply chain management ✓Continuity of essential health services ✓Vaccination To ensure effective and timely implementation of this response plan, both local and international financial support is being mobilized to rapidly contain the outbreak and mitigate its public health and socio-economic impact. #Ebola #Outbreak #PHEIC

Africa CDC is coordinating a continental response to the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ituri) and Uganda, both of which declared outbreaks on the same day—underscoring the urgent need for unified action across borders. In line with its mandate, Africa CDC is coordinating regional and continental efforts, bringing together all partners to ensure a harmonised response and strengthen health security across the continent. Yesterday, Africa CDC convened a high-level consultative meeting with over 130 participants, including governments, donor partners, @UN agencies, humanitarian organisations, philanthropies, and pharmaceutical companies, to align strategies and accelerate support for affected and at-risk countries. 🔗 Read the full statement from H.E. @Dr_JeanKaseya: ow.ly/GOSq50Z0Kil #EbolaResponse #HealthSecurity

@WHO has confirmed that the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but not a pandemic. This underscores the need for urgent, coordinated action, without triggering global panic. Consequently, @WHO has recommended the following measures for immediate implementation in Uganda and the DRC: ✓Activate emergency response systems and establish strong coordination through national and local operations centres. Key actions include enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, testing, infection prevention, and effective patient care. Collaboration with partners remains critical if national systems become overwhelmed. ✓Engage communities actively by working with local leaders, faith groups, and traditional healers to raise awareness, build trust, and promote early care-seeking. Respectfully addressing cultural beliefs is essential to interrupt transmission. ✓Strengthen surveillance systems across affected and at-risk areas, including monitoring community deaths and expanding decentralized laboratory testing capacity. ✓Improve infection prevention and control (IPC) in health facilities by training staff on proper PPE use and ensuring health workers are protected, supported, and adequately resourced. ✓Ensure timely referral of suspected cases to specialized treatment units equipped to provide high-quality supportive care close to outbreak epicentres. ✓Sustain research efforts, including clinical trials for vaccines and therapeutics, with continued global collaboration and support. ✓Reinforce screening measures at borders and along major internal routes to prevent further spread, ensuring confirmed cases do not travel and that contacts are monitored and restricted from international travel for 21 days. ✓Implement screening at airports and border entry points, focusing on early detection of potential Ebola cases. ✓Consider postponing mass gatherings where necessary to reduce the risk of transmission. Ensure safe and dignified burials, conducted by trained teams in line with public health guidance while respecting cultural practices. ✓Strengthen logistics and supply systems to guarantee the consistent availability of PPE, medical equipment, and laboratory supplies. ✓Promote a coordinated, community-driven, and well-resourced response, which remains essential to effectively contain Ebola and protect lives. #Ebola #PHEIC

After having consulted the #DRC and #Uganda where the #Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus is known to be currently occurring, I determine that the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR. My full statement: bit.ly/4wGGiwX

LIVE:Special Briefing on Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Status || May 16, 2026 x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Stop settling for fragmented microbial data. Go from isolate to complete genome — in one workflow. In this webinar, see how NO-MISS delivers reference-quality microbial sequencing at any scale for rapid, streamlined identification. Watch here: nanoporetech.com/resource-centr…

Uganda’s @MinofHealthUG of Health has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease (May 15, 2026). A 59-year-old Congolese male admitted in Kampala on May 11 with fever, respiratory distress, and related symptoms sadly passed away on May 14. Laboratory testing confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo. The case originated from the DRC, and no local transmission has been confirmed to date. The government has swiftly activated response measures, including enhanced screening at borders and transit points, deployment of rapid response teams, isolation facilities, mobile laboratories in high-risk districts, and rigorous contact tracing with quarantine underway. @WHOUganda is on the ground, supporting the Ministry of Health and local authorities in strengthening surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness, risk communication, and rapid response operations. Support also includes emergency supplies that will be handed over to MoH such as PPE, laboratory reagents, and public health guidance materials. Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The public is urged to maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with symptomatic individuals, and report suspected cases immediately. @WHOAFRO @KasondeMwinga #Ebola #Outbreak Emergency Telephone: 0800-100-066 | SMS: 6767

Building on Africa’s proven experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks, Africa CDC is working with the governments of the DRC and Uganda, alongside partners, to support a coordinated response to confirmed Ebola Virus Disease cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain. We are scaling up response efforts and deploying additional expertise to rapidly interrupt transmission and protect lives. Key measures are being strengthened, including surveillance, laboratory testing and sequencing, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, cross-border coordination, and community engagement. 🔗 Read the full statement: ow.ly/QeJw50Z0suG #EbolaPreparedness #HealthSecurity

🆕‼️ #Uganda has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease linked to a case from DRC. 59-year-old man who presented with fever, respiratory distress, abdominal symptoms, and later developed bleeding manifestations before dying in Kampala. This is concerning because Bundibugyo ebolavirus is different from the Zaire species targeted by most licensed Ebola vaccines and therapeutics

PRESS RELEASE | Ebola: Situation Under Control The @MinofHealthUG is confident that there is no cause for alarm. The situation has been contained.

Africa CDC is actively collaborating with health authorities in DRC, Uganda, and regional partners to deliver a coordinated response to confirmed Ebola Virus Disease cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain. Rapid laboratory testing, contact tracing, cross-border surveillance, and enhanced infection prevention measures are already deployed to protect communities and stop the spread. With proven experience in managing Ebola outbreaks, countries in the region are mobilizing quickly to contain transmission and safeguard public health. 🔗 Read full statement: ow.ly/iAAr50Z0suE Stay informed. Follow guidance from national health authorities and share only verified information. #EbolaPreparedness #HealthSecurity

Ebola Virus Disease outbreak confirmed in Ituri Province, DRC Africa CDC is closely monitoring the situation and convening an urgent high-level coordination meeting today with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and outbreak response efforts. Following consultations with DRC’s Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute, preliminary laboratory results from L’Institut National de Recherche Biomédical - INRB Kinshasa detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples tested. About 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, pending confirmation. 🔗 Read full statement: ow.ly/g2Z450Z02vj #EbolaOutbreak #HealthSecurity #DRC