WHO Africa Director urges stronger cross-border collaboration to contain Ebola

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohammed Janabi, has urged African governments to strengthen early detection, cross-border collaboration and information-sharing to improve the region’s response to Ebola outbreaks.

Speaking during a virtual WHO Africa media briefing on the latest developments in the Ebola response in the African Region, Dr Janabi stressed the need for countries to act swiftly, identify cases early and coordinate their interventions to contain the spread of the virus.

He expressed concern over the number of healthcare workers who have so far been infected, highlighting the risks faced by frontline personnel responsible for caring for patients and containing outbreaks.

The infections among healthcare workers underscore the importance of strengthening infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, alongside adequate training, protective equipment and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Dr Janabi’s call comes amid continued efforts by health authorities and response teams to improve surveillance, strengthen preparedness and limit the spread of Ebola in affected areas.

He emphasized that an effective response requires countries to move beyond isolated national interventions and work collectively, particularly where population movement and cross-border travel could complicate containment efforts.

“More than 300 health workers have been infected with about 48 deaths recorded. Each infection of a health worker is a tragedy and an attack on the capacity of the response. Protecting health workers is not only a duty of care, it is a pillar of outbreak control. At the same time, our region is confronting much more pressure.

"Cholera has caused nearly 165,000 cases and more than 2,500 deaths this year, with children mostly affected. This outbreak reminds us that health security is not built once but built every day through stronger systems, prepared communities and sustained investment. My call today is to the governments, partners, communities and citizens. Let’s act early, act together, quickly and share information for a stronger response.”

Early identification of suspected cases, rapid reporting and the timely sharing of reliable information are critical to enabling health authorities to trace contacts, isolate infected persons and prevent further transmission.

Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, or with contaminated materials.

Healthcare workers and caregivers may face increased exposure risks when appropriate infection prevention measures are not followed.

The WHO has consistently emphasised the importance of early detection, community engagement, safe clinical care and effective infection prevention and control in containing Ebola outbreaks.