Home / Health / Africa Unites Against Ebola: New Support Team Launched
Africa Unites Against Ebola: New Support Team Launched
29 Jun
Summary
- Unified platform launched to boost African health emergency capabilities.
- Team will support Uganda, DRC, and neighboring countries.
- Collaboration strengthens preparedness for complex public health threats.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ugandan government, has launched the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST). This unified operational platform aims to significantly strengthen Africa's capabilities in preparing for, coordinating, and responding to public health emergencies.
The IMST was officially launched at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. It will provide crucial support to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and neighboring countries deemed at risk. This support includes integrated technical assistance, operational coordination, and multidisciplinary expertise to enhance outbreak response.
This new initiative marks a significant advancement in Africa's public health emergency architecture. It underscores a shared commitment among the Africa CDC, WHO, and African Union (AU) member states to foster faster, more coordinated, and country-led responses to evolving public health threats. The platform emphasizes regional preparedness and cross-border collaboration as vital components of continental health security.
The IMST operates under the principles of 'one team, one plan, and one budget.' It brings together specialists from various fields, including surveillance, laboratory systems, case management, infection prevention, emergency logistics, risk communication, and partner coordination. This integrated approach aims to bolster outbreak response effectiveness across the region, supporting efforts against ongoing threats such as the Ebola virus disease.
