Africa CDC Brings 13 Countries Together in Kampala to Strengthen Regional Readiness Against Bundibugyo Virus Disease

Kampala, Uganda – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in a significant move to fortify the continent's health security, has orchestrated a high-level gathering in Kampala, Uganda. The meeting, which commenced on June 26, 2026, brought together representatives from 13 African nations, alongside prominent international health organisations, to strategise and enhance regional readiness against the Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD). Bundibugyo Virus Disease, a severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever, poses a substantial public health threat, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. The Africa CDC, in collaboration with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and UNICEF, is spearheading this concerted effort to prevent and control potential outbreaks. The focus of the deliberations includes strengthening surveillance systems, improving diagnostic laboratory capabilities, and developing robust rapid response protocols to effectively manage BVD cases. For Zambia, a nation that has historically grappled with various infectious disease challenges, participation in such regional initiatives is paramount. While Bundibugyo Virus Disease has not been a prominent public health concern within Zambia's borders to date, the interconnectedness of African nations through trade, travel, and shared ecological zones means that a threat in one country can quickly become a regional crisis. Therefore, Zambia's engagement in these discussions is crucial for pre-emptive planning and ensuring that its health systems are prepared to detect, assess, and respond to any potential importation or emergence of the virus. The Kampala meeting serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and harmonising strategies among member states. Experts are discussing the latest scientific advancements in BVD d