THE AFRICA Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called for stronger protection of health workers and humanitarian responders battling the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the infection of a U.S. humanitarian worker involved in the response.
In a press release issued on Monday, Africa CDC said the confirmed infection of the aid worker in Bunia underscores the urgent need to improve safety measures for everyone engaged in containing the outbreak.
According to the agency, as of July 9, 2026, a total of 112 health workers had been infected with the virus in the DRC since the outbreak began, with 35 of them having died.
The agency said health workers, humanitarian personnel, laboratory teams, community responders, volunteers and operational staff continue to work under intense pressure to identify cases, care for patients, trace contacts and protect affected communities, stressing that their safety remains critical to halting transmission.
Africa CDC disclosed that the relevant authorities and response teams have launched an epidemiological investigation into the U.S. humanitarian worker’s infection. Contact identification and exposure risk assessments are also underway, while the circumstances surrounding the exposure remain under investigation.
Africa CDC Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, paid tribute to infected responders and those who continue to serve in affected communities despite the risks.
“We honour the 112 health workers infected in DRC since this outbreak began, including the 35 who lost their lives, and every responder serving affected communities. Their courage, expertise and commitment protect lives every day,” Kaseya said.
He stressed that ensuring the safety of frontline personnel requires reliable supplies of personal protective equipment, robust infection prevention and control systems, continuous training, psychosocial support and safe working environments.
Kaseya also acknowledged governments and development partners that have committed financial and operational support to the response, while urging the rapid release of pledged resources.
“Rapid disbursement of these commitments, together with additional resources, will strengthen protection for responders, expand essential operations and help teams stop every transmission chain,” he added.
Africa CDC noted that international support has already helped strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, contact tracing and community engagement in affected areas.
However, the agency warned that critical gaps remain and called for accelerated funding and additional contributions to meet priority needs, including personal protective equipment, infection prevention supplies, ongoing training, mental health and psychosocial support, safe working conditions and operational tools required to detect and interrupt transmission.
The agency said it continues to support the governments of the DRC and Uganda through its Continental Incident Management Support Team while coordinating response efforts with affected African Union member states and other partners.
Africa CDC also urged all organisations operating in affected areas to strengthen occupational safety measures, promptly report suspected exposures and symptoms among personnel, and provide continuous support to staff working on the frontlines.
The agency added that the confidentiality, dignity and medical privacy of the infected humanitarian worker would be protected, with any further case-specific information to be released by the relevant authorities in accordance with established public health protocols.
