The funding package includes €5 million provided through the German Development Bank (KfW) in partnership with the World Bank to enhance regional health systems, laboratory infrastructure and outbreak preparedness across East Africa.
An additional €3 million has been allocated to Ebola response initiatives, alongside the donation of 500 protective kits for frontline healthcare workers involved in emergency preparedness and disease control activities.
The support was formalized through a project implementation agreement signed in Arusha, northern Tanzania.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, EAC Secretary General Stephen Mbundi said the regional bloc has continued to strengthen disease surveillance systems, laboratory services and cross-border collaboration among member states to improve public health security.
Mbundi noted that, with German support, the EAC has deployed 10 mobile laboratories across seven partner states — Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
According to him, the laboratories have significantly improved the region's ability to rapidly detect, confirm and contain infectious disease outbreaks.
The facilities have been used during several major public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda's Ebola outbreak in 2022, Tanzania's Marburg virus outbreak in 2023 and the Mpox outbreak that affected parts of East Africa in 2024.
Mbundi thanked Germany for its continued support in strengthening regional health systems and advancing regional integration through health cooperation.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Tanzania, Manuel Mueller, described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening the EAC Regional Network of Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases.
He said the existing laboratory infrastructure demonstrates the region's growing capacity to collectively address public health threats, including recurring Ebola outbreaks and other emerging infectious diseases.
The funding comes as East African countries continue to enhance preparedness against cross-border health threats.
Earlier this month, Tanzania's Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, urged citizens to follow guidance issued by health authorities regarding Ebola outbreaks reported in some neighboring countries.
He reassured the public that Tanzania remains free of Ebola and said the government has intensified surveillance, preparedness measures and public awareness campaigns to prevent any potential outbreak.
According to the prime minister, the Ministry of Health is implementing a range of preventive measures while strengthening public education efforts aimed at improving awareness of Ebola symptoms and transmission risks.
"We thank God that our country remains safe. I would like to assure Tanzanians that every necessary measure is being taken to protect the nation from the disease," Nchemba said.
He also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected symptoms promptly to health authorities to facilitate rapid response and prevent the spread of disease.
The latest German support underscores growing international efforts to strengthen regional health security in East Africa, where cross-border cooperation remains critical in responding to infectious disease outbreaks.
Notes to Editors
– Germany has committed €8 million (approximately US$9.2 million) to support regional disease preparedness and outbreak response efforts in East Africa.
– The funding package includes €5 million for strengthening health systems, laboratory infrastructure and surveillance capacity, and €3 million specifically for Ebola preparedness and response.
– The support is being implemented through cooperation between KfW, the World Bank and the East African Community.
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