Africa CDC raises concern over gaps in contact tracing as Ebola crisis escalates

Motorcycle taxi drivers during a motorised caravan organised by the WHO to promote Ebola virus disease prevention in Bunia on June 10, 2026. [AFP]

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has expressed concern over gaps in contact tracing and funding, saying that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda could worsen if urgent action is not taken.

At the Africa CDC's weekly Ebola situation briefing, Director General Jean Kaseya warned that the outbreak is spreading rapidly and one case is reported every 10 days since it was officially declared on May 15, 2023.

The Bundibugyo virus has become one of the most serious Ebola crises in recent years. More than 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths have been reported in the DRC as of today (24 September 2023) and more than 60,000 contacts have been reported in neighbouring Uganda.

Ituri Province has received more than 90 per cent of the confirmed cases and almost three-quarters of the death toll.