EAC ministers agree to harmonise response to Ebola outbreak

East African Community (EAC) health ministers have activated a critical harmonized strategy to combat a resurgent Ebola virus outbreak primarily impacting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda. The urgent agreement, finalized in Arusha, standardizes cross-border screening and mobilizes regional rapid response teams, aiming to prevent a wider destabilizing epidemic. This coordination comes amidst fears of a highly pathogenic Ebola strain, previously responsible for devastating outbreaks, re-emerging in densely populated border regions, complicating containment efforts. The fragmented response during past outbreaks, particularly concerning border health protocols and information sharing, led to significant delays and wider transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has underscored the necessity of this unified regional front to avoid an escalation that could cripple regional economies and health systems already strained by other endemic diseases. Immediate implementation focuses on deploying joint surveillance teams and rolling out a rapid ring vaccination campaign using available Ebola vaccines across critical border crossings. The success hinges on sustained political will and efficient logistical channels for medical supplies. Observers will be watching closely for initial data on new infection rates and the effectiveness of standardized protocols in the coming weeks, which will dictate whether additional emergency measures or international appeals become necessary.