At their first working dinner to discuss global challenges, the G7 heads of state and government didn’t address the current Ebola epidemic in Central Africa. “A missed opportunity”, says the development organization ONE as it shows that G7 leaders don’t take the crisis as seriously as it should.  

Khalil Elouardighi, France Director at ONE, says: “Viruses know no borders: Ebola is the G7’s crisis as well, not only Central Africa’s. Ignoring this epidemic gives the impression that the G7 have already forgotten the lessons from covid. The only way to tackle health crises like these is to address them like the common enemy they are: coherently and with joint forces. The current G7 cuts for health and development cooperation leave everyone more vulnerable for these kinds of threats.” 

ONE is calling on G7 countries to significantly step up investment into the health infrastructure needed on the ground to detect outbreaks as they emerge, and control them before they become large-scale epidemics. This should include strengthening health systems in fragile states, as well as increasing support for institutions such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Both play a crucial role in helping protect loc als and the world from the current Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. 

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Notes to the Editor: 

• ONE representatives are on the ground in Évian and available for interviews and background briefings. 

• ONE has published a new report showing how sharply G7 development assistance to Africa has declined: https://bit.ly/g7analysis2026 
   

ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Since 2004, we have helped secure more than $1 trillion in new investments to build a safer, more prosperous world. Our trusted advocacy combines hard-hitting data, grassroots activism and political engagement to influence decision-makers and drive lasting change. Learn more at www.one.org. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2026 

*** ENDS*** 

Notes to the Editor: 

• ONE representatives are on the ground in Évian and available for interviews and background briefings. 

• ONE has published a new report showing how sharply G7 development assistance to Africa has declined: https://bit.ly/g7analysis2026 

ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Since 2004, we have helped secure more than $1 trillion in new investments to build a safer, more prosperous world. Our trusted advocacy combines hard-hitting data, grassroots activism and political engagement to influence decision-makers and drive lasting change. Learn more at www.one.org. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2026  

Contact: Scherwin Saedi, [email protected]