The World Health Organization is expanding Ebola preparedness in its Eastern Mediterranean region, with additional support focused on Djibouti, Somalia and Sudan. No Ebola cases had been reported in that region, UN News said on October 16.
The region covers 22 countries and territories across parts of Africa, Asia and Europe. WHO is preparing health systems to respond if infections arrive, while conflict and population displacement complicate that work.
Outbreaks involving the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, together with infections linked to the DRC in Kenya, form the background to the effort. Those countries are separate from the WHO region receiving the readiness support.
Kenya had confirmed a second case, WHO country representative Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo told UN News in a report published October 15. The patient was related to the first case and developed symptoms on October 13 while in quarantine.
WHO sent assessment teams to its three priority countries between July and September. They examined disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection control, arrangements for treating patients and the coordination of emergency responses.
The agency is helping national authorities address weaknesses through staff training, technical assistance, medical supplies and practice exercises. It has prepared readiness checklists and tools for contingency planning, alongside guidance for travellers and resources for communicating with communities. Laboratory supplies and closer coordination between countries in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean are also part of the response.
The report said gaps remain. The report identified weaknesses in detecting infections early and confirming them through testing, as well as shortages of protective equipment and resources for emergency operations. WHO also cited insecurity and restrictions on access as obstacles, particularly where humanitarian emergencies are already underway.
UN News reported that more than 117 million people need humanitarian assistance in Yemen, Syria, Sudan, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and elsewhere. That figure describes broader humanitarian needs, not the number of people infected with Ebola.
The continuing preparedness work is intended to help authorities and partner organisations find, investigate and manage suspected cases quickly. The announcement does not mean that the identified response gaps have been resolved.