G7 leaders have called for a “strong and coordinated” international response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, warning that the virus poses a wider health security risk if containment efforts fail.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the leaders said their first priority was to stop the virus spreading further within the region and across borders.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the burden that the disease is inflicting on the affected communities and stand in solidarity with the countries affected,” the statement said.
The declaration was also backed by Egypt, India, Kenya and South Korea.
The outbreak is concentrated in eastern DR Congo, in an isolated and conflict-affected area where insecurity has complicated surveillance, treatment, contact tracing and the delivery of medical supplies. Cases have also been reported in Uganda.
The leaders noted that existing vaccines, diagnostics and treatments are not fully effective against the strain involved, increasing the urgency of developing and delivering dedicated tools for the current outbreak.
“We are resolved to providing and mobilizing support for a coordinated global response to facilitate the development and effective delivery of dedicated vaccines, diagnostics and treatments to fight this outbreak over the next months,” the statement said.
The G7 urged countries outside the bloc to contribute resources, describing the outbreak as a global threat that requires broader international support.
Leaders said they would continue monitoring the situation closely to ensure the virus does not spread further, including across borders.
The statement also pointed to the role of ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, saying insecurity is obstructing public health operations. It called on all parties to implement the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha Framework.
Africa CDC has warned that several countries are at risk from the outbreak, including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Zambia.