WHO scales up Ebola readiness in 22 countries across three continents
The WHO is increasing Ebola preparedness efforts across 22 countries in the eastern Mediterranean and Africa due to regional conflict and displacement. Priority support is being directed toward Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan.
Why it matters
Proactive health measures are critical in conflict zones where overstretched health systems are vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is strengthening Ebola preparedness amid conflict and displacement affecting millions of lives in a region that spans parts of Africa, Asia and Europe.
The UN agency’s eastern Mediterranean region comprises 22 countries and territories. Intensified support is being given to Djibouti, Somalia and Sudan , which have been identified as priority countries.
This follows deadly outbreaks of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda and confirmation of a case in Kenya linked to the DRC.
Although there have not been any Ebola cases in the region so far, conflict, displacement and overstretched health systems in several countries are making it difficult to prepare and respond should the situation change.
In a speech earlier this week, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus described the region as “ the epicentre of global humanitarian need ”.
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