Ebola Widening Reach Heightens Urgency for Coordinated Africa Response 

October 23, 2026

The confirmation of Ebola in Kenya and Nigeria, amid the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), underscores the need for closer cooperation between countries to detect infections early and prevent further transmission.

DRC continues to bear by far the heaviest burden, with more than 9,700 confirmed cases and over 4,600 deaths. In eastern DRC, conflict, displacement, and stretched health services continue to make it harder to reach affected communities.

Melaku Yirga, Vice President for Africa, Prosper Global (formerly Mercy Corps), says, 

“The confirmation of Ebola in Kenya and Nigeria is deeply concerning and reinforces the need for countries to work closely together to prevent further transmission. 

“From our experience combating Ebola in Africa, we know that containing it takes governments, health workers, and communities working together. We welcome the efforts of national health authorities and Africa CDC to strengthen regional cooperation. What matters most now is speed, sharing information across borders without delay, and ensuring frontline health workers and local organizations have the resources to respond quickly. 

“We also know that trust at the community level is essential to stopping transmission. People need to feel confident reporting suspected cases, sharing information with contact tracers, and seeking care early. That confidence grows when trusted local responders and community leaders listen to concerns, answer questions, and help people access timely support. 

“International partners also have an important role to play in sustaining these efforts. Timely, flexible funding for frontline health services, local responders, and infection prevention, particularly where transmission remains high in DRC, will help ensure communities have the support they need to prevent further infections.” 

In DRC, Prosper Global is supporting the government-led Ebola response in Bunia and Rwampara, Ituri, building on its experience during the 2018–2020 outbreak in North Kivu. Teams are strengthening community engagement, access to clean water, handwashing facilities, and infection prevention, alongside local radio messaging and psychosocial support for frontline workers and affected families. 

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In Uganda, Prosper Global is supporting Ebola preparedness in border communities in Kasese, including Bwera, as well as Bundibugyo and Yumbe. Teams are working with market vendors, motorcycle taxi riders, community leaders and local media on awareness-raising, community dialogue, early reporting of suspected cases and the construction of handwashing facilities.