Key facts
- Ebola outbreak has surpassed 10,000 cases and 4,887 deaths.
- The outbreak has spread across three African regions, an unprecedented geographic extension.
- Dr. Jean Kaseya warned of potential spread to the UK and other continents.
- Funding for the response is short by over $2 billion.
Africa's top health official warned that the "unprecedented" spread of the Ebola outbreak, which has reached 10,091 cases and 4,887 deaths, could reach the UK and other countries if preparedness is not increased. Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compared the situation to the early days of Covid-19, urging all continents to enhance their preparedness and treatment capabilities. The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is the largest and deadliest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's history and has spread to Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. Kaseya will convene meetings with African health ministers and heads of state to push for cross-border cooperation, screening at entry points, and a "corridor of peace" in conflict zones to facilitate aid. He also called for urgent global funding, noting a shortfall of over $2 billion for the response.