Africa CDC, WHO, Uganda Launch Joint Ebola Incident Management Team
Africa CDC, WHO, and Uganda have launched the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) to bolster Africa's Ebola response. This unified operational platform, hosted in Uganda, aims to enhance emergency preparedness, coordination, and rapid response to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease outbreak across affected African nations.
Key Highlights
- Unified platform launched by Africa CDC, WHO, and Ugandan government.
- Called Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST).
- Strengthens Africa's capacity for public health emergency response.
- Supports ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease outbreak in region.
- Hosted at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Focuses on Uganda, DRC, and neighboring at-risk countries.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Ugandan government have officially launched a critical new initiative: the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST). This unified operational platform is designed to significantly enhance Africa's capabilities in preparing for, coordinating, and responding to public health emergencies, with a particular focus on the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease outbreak. The launch, which took place at Makerere University in Uganda's capital, Kampala, on Saturday, June 29, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the continent's health security architecture.
This development comes shortly after Africa CDC and WHO had previously introduced a broader 'Joint Continental Preparedness and Response Plan' for the Ebola outbreak on June 5, 2026. That earlier plan aimed to raise US$518 million to support African countries from June to November 2026, fostering a unified 'One Response' approach across governments, partners, and communities for various outbreak response measures, including surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention, and clinical care. The newly launched IMST serves as a crucial operational arm to implement the objectives of this wider continental strategy, embodying the principle of 'one team, one plan, and one budget' to ensure a cohesive and effective response.
The IMST's primary objective is to provide integrated technical assistance, operational coordination, and multidisciplinary expertise to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and other neighboring countries at risk of Ebola transmission. The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported a significant number of confirmed Ebola cases, exceeding 1,100, and over 300 deaths, while Uganda has reported 20 confirmed cases, including two fatalities. This highlights the urgent need for robust, coordinated interventions. Specialists within the IMST will cover a broad spectrum of areas, including surveillance, laboratory systems, case management, infection prevention and control, emergency logistics, risk communication, and information management, all vital for containing outbreaks.
The establishment of the IMST underscores a shared commitment by Africa CDC, WHO, and African Union (AU) member states to develop faster, more coordinated, and country-led responses to increasingly complex public health threats. Officials from both Africa CDC and WHO emphasized that this new platform reinforces regional preparedness and cross-border collaboration, which are considered essential pillars of Africa's health security. Tolbert Nyenswah, an Africa CDC official, highlighted that the continental platform represents 'Africa's commitment to stronger institutions, coordinated action, and country-led emergency response'. Similarly, Marie-Roseline Belizaire from the WHO Regional Office for Africa noted that through coordinated technical support and shared expertise, national leadership is strengthened, cross-border collaboration is improved, and countries become more effective in responding to public health emergencies.
The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, for which there are currently no licensed treatments or vaccines, making coordinated public health measures even more critical. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, 2026, in the DRC's Ituri province, but officials suspect it may have started earlier. The collective effort through the IMST aims to not only address the immediate crisis but also build a sustainable framework for future health threats, drawing lessons from past outbreaks. This comprehensive approach places communities at the center, recognizing that their participation is paramount for effective contact tracing, timely care, and ultimately, breaking the chains of transmission. The launch of this unified platform is a significant stride towards greater health resilience and security across the African continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST)?
The IMST is a unified operational platform launched by the Africa CDC, WHO, and the Ugandan government to strengthen Africa's capacity to manage and respond to public health emergencies, particularly the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
When and where was the IMST launched?
The IMST was officially launched on Saturday, June 29, 2026, at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
Which countries will primarily benefit from the IMST's support?
The IMST will primarily support Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and neighboring at-risk countries affected by the Ebola outbreak.
What is the current Ebola situation that prompted this initiative?
The initiative addresses an ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain. The DRC has reported over 1,100 confirmed cases and 300 deaths, while Uganda has 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, making a coordinated response critical.
How does the IMST relate to other Ebola response efforts?
The IMST is an operational platform that complements and helps implement a broader 'Joint Continental Preparedness and Response Plan' for Ebola, launched earlier on June 5, 2026, by Africa CDC and WHO, which aims to raise $518 million for response efforts across Africa.