WHO declares Ebola global health emergency in DRC, Uganda

AFRICA—The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to rising infections, cross-border transmission, and uncertainty about the outbreak’s scale.

The declaration, announced by WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, comes as health authorities continue to investigate confirmed and suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.

Although the WHO classified the outbreak as a serious international health threat, the agency clarified that the situation does not currently meet the threshold for a pandemic under the International Health Regulations.

Cases spread across DRC and Uganda

As of 16 May, health authorities in eastern DRC had confirmed eight Ebola cases through laboratory testing, while an additional 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths were under investigation in Ituri Province.

The outbreak has particularly affected the health zones of Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia, where response teams are managing infections among community members and healthcare workers.

Authorities also confirmed cases in Kinshasa, the DRC capital, raising concerns over wider geographic spread.

In neighbouring Uganda, two infected individuals who recently travelled from DRC were admitted to intensive care facilities after testing positive for the virus.

WHO warned that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher than current figures indicate.

The agency cited clusters of unexplained deaths, elevated positivity rates among tested samples, and limited data on transmission dynamics as indicators that the outbreak may be spreading undetected in some communities.

The deaths of at least four healthcare workers have further intensified concerns regarding infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities operating in affected areas.

Regional mobility raises transmission risks

WHO emphasized that extensive cross-border movement, trade activities, and humanitarian challenges continue to heighten the risk of further transmission across East and Central Africa.

Mining operations and informal trade routes linking the DRC with Uganda and South Sudan have complicated surveillance and response efforts.

Despite these concerns, the WHO has not recommended restrictions on international travel or trade.

Instead, the organisation urged governments to strengthen disease surveillance systems, expand laboratory testing capacity, improve preparedness at border points, and intensify public awareness campaigns to counter misinformation.

Health authorities in DRC and Uganda have already activated emergency response mechanisms, including contact tracing, case isolation, infection prevention measures, and enhanced treatment services.

WHO also stressed the importance of community engagement, particularly through collaboration with religious leaders, local authorities, and trusted community representatives to improve public trust and encourage early reporting of symptoms.

WHO coordinates international response efforts.

In response to the escalating crisis, the WHO convened governments, humanitarian agencies, technical experts, and global health partners to align outbreak response priorities and strengthen preparedness across affected and neighbouring countries.

The high-level coordination meeting brought together more than 220 participants from WHO, Ministries of Health, Africa CDC, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, research institutions, and international partners shortly after the DRC government officially declared the outbreak on 15 May.

WHO has since expanded its operational support by deploying emergency supplies and technical teams specializing in epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics, logistics, clinical care, infection prevention, and community engagement.

“Clear coordination mechanisms at provincial level will be critical to help partners rapidly align and mobilize support where it is most needed,” said Dr Mir Rahimzai of FHI 360.

Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières has expanded support for patient isolation, infection prevention, and clinical response activities in Mongbwalu and Bunia.

Additional personnel and emergency supplies are also being mobilized for deployment to both DRC and Uganda.

The World Food Programme confirmed that it stands ready to support airlift operations between Kinshasa and Bunia to accelerate the delivery of medical equipment and emergency supplies into affected regions.

Cross-Border Surveillance Intensifies

The International Organization for Migration is strengthening surveillance and preparedness measures at border crossings and along major transport corridors connecting DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.

“Cross-border population movement remains a key factor in this outbreak. IOM teams are already supporting preparedness and surveillance efforts on the ground in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda,” said Dr Jerry Geoffrey Mtike.

Several countries across the region have also begun reinforcing national preparedness plans.

Zambia highlighted vulnerabilities associated with mining and trade corridors and identified laboratory diagnostics, sample transportation systems, and border surveillance as key priorities for outbreak readiness.

At the same time, Dr Francis Kasolo called for broader preparedness measures extending beyond land borders to include air travel routes and regional supply pre-positioning in high-risk countries.

 In Kenya, the National Ebola Preparedness Team has also been constituted to coordinate readiness activities, and the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been placed on alert for real-time monitoring and coordination, among other measures

No approved vaccine for Bundibugyo strain

WHO noted that no approved vaccines or targeted treatments currently exist for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, increasing the urgency for accelerated research and clinical trials.

Global health agencies and research partners are now working to identify potential vaccine candidates and therapeutic options that could help contain the outbreak.

The organization is also developing a multi-country Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan aimed at strengthening emergency coordination, laboratory readiness, healthcare worker training, contingency planning, and rapid deployment of critical supplies across vulnerable countries in the region.