Ebola Outbreak in DRC Claims Over 200 Lives as WHO Chief States It Can Be Stopped

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has stated that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has claimed over 200 lives, can still be stopped. He made the remarks upon arriving in Kinshasa to personally lead efforts to combat the deadly disease.

As of the latest data on 24 May, WHO recorded 10 confirmed deaths and 223 suspected Ebola fatalities from over 1,000 cases since the outbreak was declared on 15 May. The WHO warned that the actual spread on the ground is likely much wider, as the virus is suspected to have circulated undetected for some time.

‘This can be stopped,’ Tedros said, adding that the WHO does not support travel bans as they are ‘not very helpful.’

‘Together, we will overcome this outbreak. I will do everything in my power to assist you,’ he added.

This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in Congo and has become extremely complex due to the epicentre being in Ituri Province, eastern DRC—a mineral-rich region plagued by violence from armed groups for over three decades. Fighting has intensified in the past year after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized parts of the territory.

This situation prompted Tedros to urgently call on warring parties to immediately declare a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.

‘Conflict and population displacement make everything more difficult,’ Tedros said. ‘I am directly appealing to all parties involved in this region: please, declare a ceasefire. No goal, no conflict, no grievance justifies sacrificing innocent lives to a disease that could have been prevented.’

Currently, there are no vaccines or medical treatments available for the Bundibugyo strain causing this outbreak. However, the Africa CDC aims to have vaccines and treatments ready by the end of 2026.

‘What we can say for certain is that by the end of 2026, the Africa CDC will ensure we have vaccines and treatments to combat Bundibugyo. Our leaders are ready to invest technically and strategically,’ said Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC chief.

Meanwhile, tens of tonnes of logistics aid from WHO and UNICEF have begun arriving in Ituri, while neighbouring countries like Uganda have taken decisive action by closing borders after recording one confirmed death. On the other hand, the United States has banned Ebola patients from entering the country and plans to build treatment facilities for its citizens in Kenya—a move currently facing criticism from local human rights groups for potentially overburdening Kenya’s healthcare system.

The statement emphasises that anyone returning from the DRC to Uganda must undergo 21 days of self-isolation under health officer supervision.