Weak Disease Monitoring and Research Gaps Fuel Repeated Ebola Outbreaks, Expert Warns.
Prof. Bamidele Iwalokun Calls for Urgent Genomic Intelligence and Community Engagement to Contain Deadly Virus.
LAGOS, Nigeria – The iNews Times | Persistent Ebola outbreaks continue to threaten parts of Africa due to weak surveillance systems, inadequate research, and poor community engagement, a leading Nigerian expert has warned.
Prof. Bamidele Iwalokun, Director of Research at the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research https://nimr.gov.ng highlighted these critical gaps during a recent Ebola Disease Update webinar, underscoring the need for stronger investment in genomics and rapid response tools.
In this report, The iNews Times examines the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications for regional and global health security.
Background of the Story
Ebola Virus Disease has haunted parts of Central and East Africa for decades since its discovery in 1976. Recurrent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have exposed systemic weaknesses in global health preparedness. Nigeria, which successfully contained a major outbreak in 2014 through decisive leadership and international collaboration, remains vigilant as neighbouring regions grapple with new cases. Experts now warn that without addressing fundamental research and surveillance shortfalls, the virus could exploit these vulnerabilities again.
Key Developments
Speaking at the webinar organised by Preventive Health Nigeria Advocacy Operations Ltd, Prof. Iwalokun identified four major gaps undermining containment efforts. These include inadequate genomic surveillance, weak implementation research, limited scientific understanding of non-Zaire Ebola virus species, and insufficient investment in research and innovation.
He noted that the absence of comprehensive genomic intelligence for all human pathogenic Ebola virus species has weakened surveillance and response efforts, particularly for the Bundibugyo strain currently circulating.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Prof. Iwalokun attributed continued outbreaks to insufficient funding for vaccine development, diagnostics, and therapeutics. “These gaps have contributed to prolonged Ebola outbreaks by limiting coordinated public health interventions,” he stated. He emphasised that late detection, driven by community resistance and cultural practices around burials, allows the virus to spread extensively before intervention.
Dr. Linus Ndegwa, an epidemiologist with the Kenya Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, reinforced the need for accurate information. He dispelled common misconceptions, clarifying that Ebola is not airborne or spread by insects but through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. “Accurate public information on Ebola transmission is essential to reducing stigma, preventing panic and encouraging communities to adopt effective preventive measures,” he said.
The webinar convener, Mr. Adekola Wojuola, urged proactive steps in Nigeria. “Nigeria is dealing with many challenges and cannot afford an Ebola outbreak. We must take the message to our communities to ensure the country remains Ebola-free,” he stressed.
Implications
The ongoing challenges carry serious political, economic, and social consequences. Weak surveillance not only prolongs human suffering but also disrupts trade, agriculture, and cross-border movements in affected regions. For Nigeria and other West African nations, a single imported case could overwhelm fragile health systems and erode public trust. As The iNews Times has reported, addressing these gaps is vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health and building resilient pandemic preparedness across Africa.
What Happens Next
Health authorities in the DRC and Uganda continue to manage active outbreaks, with the World Health Organisation reporting a cumulative total of 2,124 confirmed cases and 828 deaths in the DRC as of July 15. Experts are calling for increased funding, deployment of point-of-care diagnostics, and culturally sensitive community engagement strategies. Regional collaboration and investment in broad-spectrum countermeasures for different Ebola strains will likely dominate discussions in upcoming global health forums.
Conclusion
Prof. Bamidele Iwalokun’s timely analysis serves as a sobering reminder that defeating Ebola requires more than reactive measures. By closing surveillance gaps, boosting research, and prioritising community trust, African nations can move from containment to prevention. The iNews Times remains committed to tracking these developments, keeping Nigerian readers informed as the continent strengthens its defences against this persistent threat.
