G7 backs $518m Africa Ebola plan as outbreak spreads in DRC, Uganda

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

G7 leaders have called for a coordinated international response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, backing a continental plan that aims to raise $518 million to help African countries prepare for, detect and contain the disease.

The call, supported by partner countries Egypt, India, Kenya and South Korea, comes as health authorities race to contain a fast-moving outbreak in eastern DRC, where conflict, population displacement and weak surveillance have complicated the response.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the burden that the disease is inflicting on the affected communities and stand in solidarity with the countries affected,” the G7 leaders said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“The current outbreak is centred in an isolated, conflict-affected area in DRC which makes containment, medical treatment and response logistics challenging,” they said.

The Africa Centres for Disease