WHO scales up Ebola readiness in 22 countries across Eastern Mediterranean, prioritizing Djibouti, Somalia and Sudan

The World Health Organization (WHO) is strengthening Ebola preparedness across its Eastern Mediterranean region, covering 22 countries and territories, as conflict, displacement and overstretched health systems threaten the ability to detect and respond if Ebola cases emerge.

WHO said intensified support is being directed to Djibouti, Somalia and Sudan, which it identified as priority countries. The move comes as outbreaks of Ebola disease in other parts of the world—including deadly outbreaks caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda—continue to raise concerns, along with a confirmed case in Kenya linked to the DRC.

WHO noted that, while there have not been any Ebola cases in the region so far, insecurity and population displacement are complicating planning and response. In its remarks earlier this week, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the region as “the epicentre of global humanitarian need.”