IOM Ramps Up Ebola and Mpox Response in Africa
October 28, 2025
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is reinforcing Africa’s health security infrastructure as new Ebola cases emerge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and mpox remains a concern across the region. Operating at 90 border points in 15 countries, IOM’s work—ranging from surveillance and workforce training to risk communication—underscores how mobility and disease prevention intersect. With Ebola and mpox highlighting the vulnerabilities of high-mobility corridors, IOM’s coordinated, cross-border approach is essential. The organization’s proactive response exemplifies how investing in preparedness, not just crisis management, is vital to safeguarding both travelers and border communities across Africa’s interconnected regions.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up its health security operations across Africa in response to concurrent infectious disease threats, including a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and ongoing mpox risks in several neighboring nations. This renewed focus on preparedness reflects both the continent’s epidemiological realities and the central role of mobility in disease transmission.
Working at 90 points of entry across 15 countries, IOM’s teams are integrating surveillance, population mobility mapping, and workforce capacity-building to strengthen border health defenses. Since Ebola resurfaced in DRC’s Kasai Province in September 2025—resulting in 64 reported cases and 45 deaths—screening and contact tracing have intensified. More than 169,000 travelers have been screened to date, and targeted community engagement campaigns are underway to promote awareness and reduce stigma.
Beyond emergency response, IOM’s efforts emphasize sustainability and regional coordination. In Angola, cross-border contingency plans are being developed to streamline future outbreak responses. In Uganda and Ethiopia, mobility data are guiding mpox preparedness and health planning, while in Malawi and South Sudan, enhanced surveillance and vaccination initiatives are expanding access in hard-to-reach border zones.
This integrated strategy recognizes that infectious disease control cannot stop at national boundaries. Migration routes, economic corridors, and border communities are dynamic spaces where early detection and rapid communication are critical. As Frantz Celestin, IOM’s Regional Director, noted, “These measures help prevent the spread of disease and keep both travelers and border communities safe.”
Even as mpox is no longer classified as a global emergency and Ebola cases decline, complacency would be costly. IOM’s work highlights an enduring truth: health security depends on sustained cross-border cooperation, investment in preparedness, and the recognition that mobility—when managed safely—is a cornerstone of both regional stability and global resilience.