Health workers are racing to contain the Ebola outbreak
On 17 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Cases have already been seen across borders in DRC and Uganda; other neighbouring countries are at risk.
The cause is the Bundibugyo strain. It is especially dangerous as it is a rare variant with no treatment or vaccine available.
How Amref is responding
We are preparing our response and are already working with Ministries of Health, local leaders, and frontline health workers.
In Uganda, we are
- Strengthening surveillance and early detection systems at points of entry and within communities.
- Supporting contact tracing and rapid response teams.
- Training and equipping frontline health workers with essential protective equipment.
- Leading community awareness campaigns to address misinformation and promote prevention measures.
In South Sudan, Amref is
- Training personnel at high-volume border crossings and airports.
- Establishing isolation and treatment facilities in Nimule, Nadapal, Kaya, and Juba.
- Supporting community engagement and health education in border communities.
- Deploying rapid response teams alongside government partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based international health development organisation. We work in 35 countries to improve people’s access to primary healthcare to bring about lasting health change in Africa. Every year, we reach an average of 17 million people across these countries.
We begin by listening to communities, designing our programmes and finding solutions in partnership with them. We look at the barriers that stand in the way of people accessing health services and address them holistically. Our programmes are people-centred, evidence-based, and sustainable. And because we are Africa-led - with decades-strong, trusting relationships with communities and decision-makers across the continent - we are able to go further, reaching more people. Together, we are creating lasting health change.
When you set up a regular gift, you are helping to drive long-term, sustainable change. We work to create lasting health change in Africa. By addressing the root-causes which create barriers to accessing health services, we are shaping a future where everyone can claim their human right to good health. This work takes time.
Your monthly gift:
- Enables us to plan ahead, calmly, and to anticipate the unexpected.
- Shields us from changes in the external environment.
- Frees us up to develop programmes in response to the needs expressed by the communities we serve.
- Allows us to try innovative new approaches - and scale up what works.
- Means we can implement long-term programmes that create sustainable, systemic, generational change. We know that this kind of change - especially Commented changes in beliefs, norms and deeply-rooted / deeply-engrained practices - takes time. It can’t be rushed.
Like Amref’s other country offices, we raise money for our work from generous gifts from people like you, including donations, legacies and fundraising to support lasting health change across Africa.
We also receive funding from organisations, including our corporate partners and charitable trusts and foundations. Find out more about how your donations are spent by reading our annual impact reports.
We are committed to using your gifts wisely. 85% of every pound raised goes directly to programme costs. Your donation will support our many community-led and people-driven programmes across Africa, and the vital work behind them. A small but essential part is used to support the wider organisation and raise future funds – ensuring that your gift has long-term impact. To find out more about how your donations are spent read our annual impact reports.
From protecting infants against deadly diseases, to supporting people who have experienced sexual or gender-based violence, it is our promise to you that we are honest, accurate and transparent in how we work. Find out more about our Fundraising Promise to you.
Please make your gift payable to ‘Amref Health Africa’ and post it to Amref Health Africa, Canopi, 82 Tanner Street, London SE1 3GN – Thank you!
To make a donation over the phone, please call Yohanah, our Fundraising Administrator, on 020 7269 5520 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday – Thank you for your generosity!
We're happy to help with any queries you may have. You can contact us anytime using this form.
Other ways to contact us include:
- Email Yohanah via info@amrefuk.org
- Call us on 020 7269 5520 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday
- Send a letter: Amref, Canopi, 82 Tanner Street, London, SE1 3GN
We'd love to hear from you.