US commits US$1M to strengthen Tanzania’s Ebola preparedness against Bundibugyo strain

TANZANIA — The United States government has announced more than 2.63 billion Tanzanian shillings (US$1 million) in new and reprogrammed funding to support Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen preparedness and readiness against Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

The support comes amid recent Ebola outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, as countries in the region intensify measures to prevent cross-border transmission.

Although Tanzania has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, the government continues to enhance preparedness measures through its national contingency plans.

The country’s strategic location and frequent cross-border movement of people with neighbouring nations have increased the need for robust surveillance systems and rapid-response capabilities.

Following the announcement of Ebola outbreaks in the region, Tanzania’s Ministry of Health convened technical directors, United States government representatives, and international partners to coordinate preparedness efforts.

The collaboration aims to ensure that national response efforts remain aligned and that health authorities are prepared to detect and contain any potential Ebola cases.

Funding to support surveillance and emergency response

The United States funding will strengthen Ebola preparedness activities across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

The investment will support key areas, including disease surveillance, laboratory systems, infection prevention and control, case management, risk communication, community engagement, emergency coordination, preparedness at points of entry, and health workforce development in areas vulnerable to cross-border transmission.

The new support builds on a long-standing health partnership between Tanzania and the United States focused on improving health security systems.

Through this collaboration, both countries have worked to enhance healthcare systems’ capacity to identify, respond to, and manage emerging infectious disease threats.

US agencies coordinate support for Tanzania

The assistance will be implemented through three main areas of collaboration. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will provide technical support to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control systems.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State will support coordination efforts, preparedness activities at points of entry, and community engagement initiatives designed to improve public awareness and response during potential outbreaks.

In addition, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) will work with the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) to strengthen civilian-military preparedness efforts in priority border regions.

This partnership will focus on improving coordination and readiness in areas where the risk of disease introduction may be higher.

Building regional capacity for health security

The United States’ support will enhance Tanzania’s ability to quickly identify suspected Ebola cases, safely manage patients, maintain surveillance systems at entry points, and coordinate effective responses to emerging health threats.

The investment forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regional health security and improve preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks.