Nairobi, June 24 -- The recent Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have once again underscored the persistent threat that emerging infectious diseases pose to East Africa.

As of 29 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) had reported more than 900 suspected Ebola cases and over 220 unconfirmed deaths in the DRC, alongside nine confirmed cases and one death in neighbouring Uganda linked to cross-border transmission.

The disease is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no licensed vaccine currently exists, and the outbreak has triggered heightened surveillance and preparedness measures across the region.

Against this backdrop, reports that the United States is supporting construction o...