This bill, called the Epidemic Barrier and Outbreak Leadership Act (EBOLA Act), requires the President to take all necessary steps so the United States rejoins the World Health Organization (WHO) within 30 days of enactment. It also directs immediate collaboration with the WHO to respond to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. The bill authorizes appropriations as needed to pay assessed contributions and to support WHO and United Nations response efforts, including voluntary contributions and program support.
If enacted, the United States would rejoin the WHO quickly and work directly with that organization on the Ebola outbreak. The federal government could provide money to restore membership payments and to help fund international response activities aimed at preventing further spread of the virus.
The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" to carry out the act. Specifically, it permits funds to: pay assessed contributions and other financial obligations to restore U.S. membership in the WHO; and support WHO and United Nations entities in responding to the Ebola epidemic through voluntary contributions and programmatic support. No specific dollar amounts are provided.
The bill's findings say infectious disease outbreaks threaten public health, national security, and the economy. The findings state that the WHO is the principal international body for disease surveillance, outbreak coordination, and information sharing, and that U.S. participation enhances the country’s ability to monitor diseases, coordinate with international partners, and protect the American people.
No publicly available information.