African Field Epidemiology Network

12/08/2026

AFENET Ebola Infodemic Bulletin | 27–31 July 2026
🦠 What is the data telling us?

As the Bundibugyo virus outbreak continues to evolve in the DRC, the information environment is becoming a critical part of the response.

📊 AFENET’s analysis highlights five key signals:

🔹 Trust matters: Misinformation and mistrust can delay care-seeking, reporting and acceptance of response measures.

🔹 Communities are a source of intelligence: Rumours, questions and concerns can reveal gaps in knowledge, services and confidence, and should inform response decisions.

🔹 Communication must reach mobile populations: Traders, transport workers, border communities and other highly mobile groups need targeted, timely information.

🔹 Data transparency builds confidence: Clear explanations of case numbers, testing, deaths and changes in epidemiological data can strengthen public trust.

🔹 Listening must lead to action: Community feedback should be connected directly to surveillance, RCCE and outbreak response operations.

💡 AFENET’s takeaway:
An infodemic is not only about misinformation. It is about information, trust, behaviour and response performance.

Effective outbreak communication must therefore go beyond awareness, it must listen, build trust, address concerns and enable communities to take action.

12/08/2026

https://afenet-journal.org/10-37432-jieph-d-25-00164/

by Mamoudou Touré, Mory Kourouma, Mahamoud Sama Chérif, Facely Camara, Moctar Tounkara, Sidikiba Sidibé, Sory Diawara, Kassoum Kayentao JIEPH. Volume 9(3):134. Published 11 Aug 2026 (PDF in Process)

11/08/2026

There is also no approved vaccine or any recognised therapeutic drugs, making treating Bundibugyo species of Ebola harder.

11/08/2026

https://afenet-journal.org/10-37432-jieph-d-26-0004/

Demba Jarra, Momodou Kalisa, Sarja Jarjusey, Obafemi Joseph Babalola JIEPH. Volume 9(Suppl 14):02. Published 11 Aug 2026 (PDF in Process)

11/08/2026

https://afenet.net/bulletin-n4-cinq-5-diplomes-du-fetp-redeployes-pour-renforcer-la-riposte-au-pvdv2c-au-mali-juillet-2026/

Depuis leur redéploiement le 27 juin 2026 dans les districts de Gao, Tombouctou, Mopti, Bandiagara et Ménaka/Inékar, les gradués FETP poursuivent leurs activités de terrain. Ainsi, les principales réalisations sont […]

11/08/2026

https://afenet-journal.org/10-37432-jieph-d-26-00193/

by Allan Komakech JIEPH. Volume 9(3):132. Published 10 Aug 2026 (PDF in Process)

11/08/2026

https://afenet-journal.org/10-37432-jieph-d-25-00337/

Joshua Billy, David Kwamifoli JIEPH. Volume 9(3):133. Published 11 Aug 2026 (PDF in Process)

10/08/2026

Public Health Professionals Begin STOP 56 Training in Tanzania to Advance the Global Fight Against Polio and Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

The STOP 56 training has officially opened in Tanzania, bringing together 82 public health professionals from 22 countries, 45 field epidemiologists, 15 data managers and 22 social and behaviour change specialists.

Coordinated by AFENET, U.S. CDC and UNICEF, the training prepares participants for deployment alongside Ministries of Health and GPEI partners to strengthen immunization, disease surveillance, social and behaviour change, and outbreak response for polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

Dr. Samir Sodha, U.S. CDC, challenged participants to bring problem-solving skills to the local level, identifying challenges, finding solutions and making a difference in communities.

Lesley Chace, STOP Team Lead, highlighted STOP’s 27-year contribution to polio eradication and measles elimination, encouraging participants to actively learn and prepare for their field assignments.

Dr. Mahesh Swaminathan, U.S. CDC Tanzania, welcomed participants to the first STOP training in Tanzania, reminding them that polio eradication is both possible and necessary—and that they are part of an effort that can “change history and change the world.”

Dr. Ditu Kazambu, AFENET, emphasized the role of STOPers in identifying immunization gaps, understanding barriers to vaccination, strengthening surveillance and supporting solutions that protect communities from polio and other VPDs. He reaffirmed AFENET’s commitment to strengthening public health systems and workforce capacity across Africa.

Jawahir Habib, UNICEF, underscored UNICEF’s role in social and behaviour change, vaccine supply, outbreak response and other areas of polio eradication, reminding participants that a polio-free world is achievable through persistence, collaboration and sustained commitment.

Cohort 56, 82 trainees will take their skills into communities and health systems where they are needed most, helping countries detect threats early, close immunization gaps and strengthen the systems needed to prevent and respond to polio, measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

08/08/2026

AFENET ACoDDs Support Ebola Response in Kinshasa, DRC

As part of the ongoing Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), AFENET ACoDDs supported the screening of travelers arriving from Tshopo/Kisangani at Bendebende Port in Maluku, Kinshasa.

This activity strengthens early detection, surveillance, and prevention of potential Ebola virus transmission through points of entry.

08/08/2026

AFENET ACoDD Team | Ituri DPS
Rwampara Health Zone – Sukisa 2 Health Area
7 August 2026

The AFENET ACoDD team supported the response activities through:

* Supporting the investigation of a death alert;
* Sensitizing the family to encourage their acceptance of swab collection and EDS at Gloria Medical Center.

ACoDD: Nicaise Muwowo