EAC, Germany seal €8mn deal to boost Ebola, Mpox defences  

ARUSHA: The East African Community (EAC) and Germany have secured €8 million in new funding aimed at strengthening regional preparedness and response to Ebola, Mpox, and other fast-moving infectious disease threats.

The package combines a €5 million agreement between the EAC and KfW Development Bank focused on closing gaps in health systems, laboratory infrastructure, and disease surveillance across Partner States.

An additional €3 million has been committed by Germany through KfW Development Bank to support Ebola response operations, further reinforcing ongoing regional containment and preparedness efforts.

The agreement was signed at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha by Secretary General Amb. Stephen Mbundi and KfW Development Bank Country Director for Tanzania and the EAC, Ms Vanessa Eidt.

Amb. Mbundi said the funding will strengthen the region’s ability to detect, track, and respond to outbreaks with greater speed and coordination, supported by improved surveillance systems, upgraded laboratories, and enhanced technical cooperation among Partner States.

He noted that repeated outbreaks have exposed persistent weaknesses in health systems, particularly when dealing with cross-border threats that demand swift collective action.

“This support will go a long way in strengthening the EAC’s capacity to coordinate responses to current public health threats,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to Germany for its sustained support, describing it as a key pillar in strengthening East Africa’s health security framework.

The German delegation, led by Chargé d’Affaires at the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Mr Manuel Müller, said sustained investment in preparedness remains critical as outbreaks continue to spread faster than response systems can adapt.

The funds will support early warning systems, laboratory upgrades, and improved regional coordination mechanisms across Partner States.