Africa CDC is the African Union's specialized health agency that coordinates public health responses across the continent.

How many cases have been reported in the DRC and Uganda?

As of May 20, 2026, the DRC has 45 confirmed cases and 18 deaths, while Uganda has 12 confirmed cases and 5 deaths.

What actions are being taken to control the outbreak?

Rapid response teams, vaccines, and medical supplies are being deployed, with support from the WHO.

Africa CDC Declares Continental Health Emergency Over Ebola

The African Union's health agency, Africa CDC, declared a continental 'public health emergency' on May 20, 2026, in response to the Ebola virus disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

According to the Africa CDC, the decision was based on the rapid spread of the virus and the need for coordinated cross-border response. As of the declaration, the DRC has reported 45 confirmed cases and 18 deaths, while Uganda has reported 12 confirmed cases and 5 deaths.

Health officials are deploying rapid response teams, vaccines, and medical supplies to affected areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been notified and is supporting containment efforts.

This is the first time Africa CDC has used its continental emergency authority for an Ebola outbreak since the agency was strengthened in 2022.