Prosper Global Urges Regional Coordination Following Ebola Cases in Kenya and Nigeria

Aid organization Prosper Global has called for heightened cross-border cooperation and swift information sharing across Africa following the confirmation of Ebola cases in Kenya and Nigeria, amid an ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to the organization, the DRC continues to experience the heaviest impact of the virus, with more than 9,700 confirmed cases and over 4,600 deaths. Response efforts in eastern DRC face persistent challenges due to conflict, population displacement, and strained healthcare infrastructure.

Melaku Yirga, Vice President for Africa at Prosper Global, noted that containing the virus requires close collaboration between governments, health personnel, and local populations. Yirga welcomed regional cooperation initiatives led by national health authorities and the Africa CDC, emphasizing the necessity of rapid response times, cross-border data exchange, and adequate resource allocation for frontline responders.

Prosper Global highlighted that stopping transmission relies heavily on community-level trust to encourage prompt reporting of suspected cases, contact tracing cooperation, and early medical intervention. The organization also called on international partners to provide flexible, timely funding to support infection prevention and frontline health services.

In response to the outbreak, Prosper Global is assisting government-led efforts in Bunia and Rwampara within the DRC's Ituri province. These initiatives focus on improving clean water access, establishing handwashing stations, conducting community outreach, broadcasting radio messages, and providing psychosocial support to affected families and health workers.

Additionally, the organization is conducting Ebola preparedness programs in Ugandan border areas, including Kasese, Bwera, Bundibugyo, and Yumbe. These efforts involve engaging market vendors, motorcycle taxi operators, and community leaders to promote early case reporting, facilitate community dialogue, and construct hygiene facilities.

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