Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, known for co-discovering the Ebola virus in 1976, has been appointed special advisor to the director general of Africa CDC, the public health agency of the African Union. This appointment comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a new crisis related to this virulent disease.

This appointment was announced in a context where the DRC is struggling to contain an Ebola outbreak that particularly affects the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. Professor Muyembe, who has also led the national response to Ebola, is considered a major asset in coordinating regional efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

In a recent interview on Top Congo FM, Jean-Jacques Muyembe emphasized the importance of strengthening local capacities in the fight against Ebola. He stated that the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) should be placed under direct supervision of its management to improve the effectiveness of interventions.

“It should be placed under direct supervision so that it works better,” affirmed Professor Muyembe.

In July 2019, the Congolese government decided to place the response under the direct supervision of the presidency, with the creation of a technical secretariat composed of national experts. The current situation also highlights the ongoing commitment of the World Health Organization (WHO) to end this outbreak. Peter Jan Graaff, WHO's special representative in the DRC, reaffirmed this commitment in a recent statement.

As Jean-Jacques Muyembe takes on his new role at Africa CDC, his role will be crucial in coordinating efforts among African countries affected by Ebola. The international community is closely watching how his expertise will be leveraged to address this persistent health threat.

Dr. Muyembe's appointment could also strengthen collaborations between African countries and international organizations in the fight against not only Ebola but also other infectious diseases that continue to affect the continent.