Following the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with reported cross-border transmission into neighbouring Uganda, countries across the African Region have intensified preparedness and response measures to reduce the risk of further spread. Recognizing the significant public health implications of the outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026.
In response, the WHO Country Office in Botswana has been working closely with the Government of Botswana to strengthen the country's preparedness and readiness capacities. Through timely technical assistance, coordination, planning and capacity-building initiatives, WHO continues to play a critical role in supporting national efforts to prevent, detect and respond to any potential importation of the disease.
Although Botswana has not recorded any cases of Ebola disease or Bundibugyo Virus Disease, the country remains vulnerable because of increasing regional connectivity and cross-border movement. As an important transit and trade hub in Southern Africa, Botswana receives substantial freight and passenger traffic through regional transport corridors, including routes that connect through Zambia from affected countries. While this connectivity is vital for economic development, it also highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of vigilance and preparedness.
To support national readiness efforts, WHO worked with the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI) and other key stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive preparedness assessment across all emergency response pillars. Using standardized WHO preparedness tools and checklists, the assessment evaluated the country's capacity in critical areas, including surveillance, laboratory services, infection prevention and control (IPC), risk communication and community engagement, points of entry, case management, logistics, coordination and emergency operations.
The assessment provided a comprehensive overview of Botswana's preparedness status and identified priority gaps requiring attention. Importantly, the findings informed targeted actions and investments needed to strengthen the country's readiness for a potential public health emergency.
Building on the assessment findings, WHO supported the development and refinement of technical guidelines and standard operating procedures for each response pillar. These documents provide clear operational guidance for preparedness and response activities and establish the frameworks needed to manage a suspected or confirmed case should one be detected in Botswana.
To further strengthen readiness, training materials were developed and adapted to the local context to equip frontline responders and public health personnel with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively. Several response pillars have already initiated capacity-building activities. Notably, the Infection Prevention and Control pillar has conducted online training sessions in districts across the country, enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers to prevent transmission within health facilities and safely manage suspected cases.
Recognizing that preparedness for high-threat infectious diseases requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, WHO also supported BPHI in convening a broad multisectoral team comprising government ministries, development partners, technical agencies and other key stakeholders. Through a series of collaborative planning sessions, the country developed a comprehensive and costed Bundibugyo Virus Disease Contingency Plan.
The contingency plan outlines strategic preparedness and response actions, clearly defining roles and responsibilities, resource requirements, coordination mechanisms and response triggers across all pillars. Importantly, the costed plan serves as a resource mobilization tool, enabling government institutions and partners to identify funding requirements and coordinate investments towards priority preparedness activities.
Implementation of the contingency plan is already underway. Current activities include strengthening surveillance systems for the early detection of suspected cases, enhancing event-based surveillance, improving risk assessment mechanisms and increasing awareness among healthcare workers and communities.
Preparations are also progressing to procure essential supplies and equipment required for case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory operations and the safe transport of suspected cases. These investments are critical to ensuring that Botswana can rapidly activate response mechanisms should the need arise.
At the same time, efforts continue to strengthen coordination structures and maintain readiness at points of entry, where effective screening, reporting and referral systems are essential to reducing the risk of disease importation.
The collaboration between WHO and the Government of Botswana demonstrates the value of proactive preparedness in protecting public health. By investing in readiness before any case is detected, Botswana is strengthening its capacity to safeguard its population, maintain essential health services and contribute to regional and global health security.
As the Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak continues to pose a public health threat in the region, WHO remains committed to supporting Botswana through technical expertise, coordination, capacity-building and resource mobilization efforts. Together with national authorities and partners, WHO will continue working to ensure that Botswana remains vigilant, prepared and resilient in the face of emerging public health threats, enabling any suspected case to be detected early and responded to rapidly, thereby reducing the risk of local transmission and protecting public health.