The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has praised Kenya’s response to an imported Ebola outbreak, describing the country’s rapid detection and containment measures as a model for other African nations as the disease continues to spread in the region.

The recognition comes amid growing concern over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, particularly its continued spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Africa CDC officials have warned that the situation requires stronger preparedness, improved disease surveillance and faster financial support for affected countries.

According to the agency’s latest figures, the wider outbreak has recorded 10,699 confirmed cases and more than 5,202 deaths. Approximately 2,900 patients have recovered, while the reported case fatality rate stands at 48.6 percent.

Kenya’s rapid response draws praise

Kenya reported its first imported Ebola case on October 6. Since then, the country has recorded nine confirmed infections and two deaths, according to Africa CDC data.

Health authorities tested 669 samples, with nine returning positive results. Kenya has not reported a new case since October 19, while the first five patients have been discharged from treatment facilities.

Africa CDC official Wessam Mankoula praised Kenya’s early detection efforts, contact tracing and quarantine measures. He also highlighted coordination with other countries to follow people who had travelled abroad after being identified as potential contacts.

The country is expected to begin a 42-day countdown toward declaring the outbreak over once its last patient has recovered, in line with Ebola monitoring procedures.

Mankoula said Kenya’s experience demonstrates how preparedness and a coordinated public-health response can prevent an imported infection from developing into a wider outbreak.

Regional preparedness remains a major concern

Despite the progress reported in Kenya, Africa CDC has warned that several countries still face serious weaknesses in their ability to respond to Ebola.

A joint readiness assessment conducted by Africa CDC and the World Health Organization across 31 African countries identified gaps in infection prevention, patient treatment and logistical support.

Officials stressed the importance of maintaining effective disease surveillance systems, screening travellers at entry points, strengthening laboratory capacity and preparing designated treatment facilities.

The agency also cautioned that the arrival of an imported case should not automatically trigger panic if countries have the necessary systems in place to detect and manage infections quickly.

Ten additional African countries have previously been identified as high-risk: South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Somalia.

Africa CDC urges donors to release pledged funding

Financing has emerged as another major challenge in the regional response.

Africa CDC officials said approximately 3 billion U.S. dollars had been pledged to support the outbreak response and preparedness activities. However, only around 1 billion dollars had been disbursed so far.

The agency has urged international donors to accelerate the release of the remaining funds, warning that delays could weaken the ability of countries to contain infections and prepare for further imported cases.

The money is needed to support surveillance, medical facilities, laboratory testing, protective equipment, logistics and emergency response teams.

Ebola outbreak remains a serious public-health threat

The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa CDC on May 18. The World Health Organization declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern one day later.

Ebola is a severe infectious disease that can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and, in serious cases, internal or external bleeding. Early detection, isolation of suspected cases, contact tracing and infection-control measures are essential to limiting transmission.

The contrasting situations in Kenya and the wider affected region underline the importance of sustained investment in public-health systems. While Kenya’s progress offers an encouraging example, Africa CDC says stronger preparedness and timely funding will be crucial to preventing further spread across the continent.