# Ebola outbreak response and pandemic preparedness

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ebola-outbreak-response-and-preparedness
> Updated: 2026-10-16T22:50:58.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The United Arab Emirates pledged $10 million to support international efforts to combat Ebola outbreaks in Africa and strengthen healthcare systems. This funding, distributed through the UAE Aid Agency, aims to assist in prevention, detection, and patient care, following the delivery of over 150 tonnes of medical supplies and aid to approximately 280 health facilities.

In response to deadly outbreaks of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus variant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the World Health Organization (WHO) has intensified preparedness measures across 22 countries and territories in the Eastern Mediterranean region. While no cases have been recorded in that specific region yet, the WHO is prioritizing support for Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan. The organization noted that armed conflict, mass displacement, and exhausted healthcare systems present significant barriers to effective disease prevention and response.

To further these efforts, the WHO has conducted assessment missions to evaluate surveillance, laboratory capacity, and emergency coordination. Alongside these Ebola-specific measures, the WHO unveiled a new five-year strategy for its Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence. Established in 2021 with support from the German government, the Hub aims to empower nations to detect and understand emerging health threats within 24 hours of appearance by the year 2030, working with partner organizations to strengthen global health security through rapid pathogen identification.

## Claims

- The WHO is increasing Ebola preparedness across 22 countries and territories in the Eastern Mediterranean region. (single source)
- Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan have been identified as priority countries for intensified support. (single source)
- The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence has launched a five-year strategy to enable countries to detect emerging health threats within 24 hours by 2030. (single source)
- The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence was established in 2021 with foundational support from the German government. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: WHO strengthens Ebola readiness and launches new pandemic detection strategy

The WHO is scaling up Ebola preparedness in 22 Eastern Mediterranean countries and has launched a new five-year strategy to enable global detection of health threats within 24 hours by 2030.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/who-increases-ebola-preparedness-across-22-countries

### 2026-09-29: United Arab Emirates pledges $10m for Ebola response in Africa

The United Arab Emirates has pledged $10 million to support Ebola containment efforts in Africa and strengthen healthcare systems, following recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-arab-emirates-pledges-10m-for-ebola-response-in-africa

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Cite as: Ebola outbreak response and pandemic preparedness. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ebola-outbreak-response-and-preparedness