WHO chief says deadly Ebola outbreak in DR Congo can be stopped
Summary
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has killed over 200 people, can still be stopped. He urged armed groups to declare a ceasefire to help health workers fight the disease and announced that medical aid is arriving in the affected areas.Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has caused 10 confirmed and 223 suspected deaths as of May 24, 2026.
- Over 1,000 cases of Ebola, confirmed and suspected, have been reported since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026.
- The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri province in eastern DRC, an area affected by ongoing conflict and violence.
- Dr. Tedros called on armed groups in the region to stop fighting to allow better access for health and aid workers.
- No vaccine or treatment exists yet for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is responsible for this outbreak.
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention expects a vaccine and medicine against the Bundibugyo Ebola strain by the end of 2026.
- The WHO has delivered 4.6 tonnes of aid to the city of Bunia in Ituri province.
- UNICEF is sending 100 tonnes of aid to support the response to the outbreak.
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