Wednesday, 22 July 2026, 13:00–14:00 (CEST)
Background
The recent outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) has reinforced the importance of maintaining strong readiness capacities in countries and-or provinces at risk to rapidly detect, investigate, and respond to the introduction of the virus before sustained transmission occurs. Across affected and at-risk countries, WHO, Member States and partners are strengthening readiness through risk assessments, contingency planning, simulation exercises, community engagement, workforce preparedness, and coordinated operational support.
To support countries in translating preparedness plans into operational readiness, WHO has developed tools and approaches that help assess, monitor and strengthen capacities across key technical areas. One such tool is the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Preparedness Matrix, a scenario-based framework that guides countries through prioritized readiness actions across multiple technical pillars and outbreak scenarios.
This EPI-WIN webinar will provide an overview of the current BVD readiness approach, showcase practical country and regional experiences, for planning, tracking and strengthening readiness activities. Participants will hear firsthand lessons from simulation exercises and country implementation efforts, including experiences from South Sudan.
Objectives
- Provide an overview of the WHO approach to Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak readiness and key priorities for at-risk countries.
- Share country and regional experiences in implementing readiness activities, including simulation exercises and contingency planning.
- Explore the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Preparedness Matrix and its role in supporting scenario-based readiness planning, action tracking and accountability.
- Exchange experiences and discuss practical challenges and solutions for strengthening Ebola readiness capacities.
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Welcome remarks: Stella Chungong, Director Health Emergency Preparedness (HSP), WHO
Global Overview of Ebola BVD Readiness: Kai von Harbou, Unit Head, Community protection and Resilience, WHO & Stephane de la Roque, Unit Head, Capacity Assessments, Planning and Readiness, WHO
Ebola Readiness Approach in the WHO African Region: Dick Chamla, Programme Area Manager (Emergency Preparedness) WHO AFRO & Ibrahim Mamadu, Technical Officer, Health Preparedness, WHO AFRO
Readiness in South Sudan: Dr Aggrey Kaijuka Bategereza, Health Emergencies Lead, WHO Country Office for South Sudan
The BVD Preparedness Matrix tool: Jehan Al-Badri, Technical Officer, WHO EMRO
Q & A: Moderated by EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO