Addis Ababa, June 16, 2026 (FMC) — African Union leaders have renewed calls for stronger political commitment, increased financial support and enhanced regional cooperation to bolster Africa’s response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
The call came during an African Union High-Level Meeting held in Bujumbura on the Ebola outbreak, chaired by President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union.
The meeting brought together senior AU officials, international partners, United Nations agencies and regional organizations to coordinate efforts to contain the disease and strengthen continental health security.
Addressing the meeting, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressed the need for countries to reinforce national and regional response plans while strengthening cross-border coordination to curb the spread of the virus.
He also emphasized the importance of expanding preparedness, disease surveillance and containment measures, urging AU Member States and development partners to sustain solidarity and collective action to prevent further transmission and build more resilient health systems across Africa.
The Commission Chairperson expressed condolences to families and communities affected by the outbreak and commended the governments of the affected Member States, frontline health workers and emergency response teams for their continued efforts to contain the disease.
Youssouf also acknowledged the support provided by AU Member States, development partners and humanitarian organizations, including financial contributions and other forms of assistance extended to affected countries.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to working with Member States and partners to strengthen coordinated public health responses, enhance resilience and ensure no country is left behind in addressing the outbreak.