WHO expands Ebola readiness to 22 countries
WHO increases support for Ebola preparedness in 22 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe
Key facts
- WHO is strengthening Ebola preparedness in 22 countries in the eastern Mediterranean region.
- Priority support is directed to Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan.
- WHO sent missions to those three countries between July and September to assess readiness.
- The region has no current Ebola cases but faces conflict and displacement that hinder preparedness.
- WHO provides training, supplies, and technical guidance to improve surveillance, labs, and response.
WHO announced an expansion of Ebola readiness to 22 countries across three continents on 16 October 2026. According to UN News, the agency is strengthening preparedness amid conflict and displacement. The region spans parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The announcement came after recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The eastern Mediterranean region includes 22 countries and territories. WHO identified Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan as priority countries. These countries face humanitarian emergencies. The UN agency said conflict, insecurity, and restricted access challenge preparedness.
Between July and September, WHO sent missions to Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan. The missions assessed national readiness. They identified challenges in surveillance, labs, infection prevention, case management, and coordination. WHO provided training, supplies, and simulation exercises.
WHO has developed readiness checklists, contingency planning tools, and technical guidance. The agency also strengthened coordination with African and Eastern Mediterranean countries. WHO supplied laboratory kits, traveler guidance, and community engagement resources. Gaps remain in early detection, lab confirmation, and protective equipment.
WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus described the region as the epicentre of global humanitarian need. He said more than 117 million people in the occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and beyond require assistance. WHO continues to work to ensure rapid detection and management of suspected Ebola cases.
Context
The eastern Mediterranean region faces conflict, displacement, and strained health systems. Recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, and a case in Kenya linked to the DRC, prompted WHO to expand readiness. The agency aims to improve surveillance and response capacity in 22 countries.
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