WHO says conflict and food crisis hinder Ebola response in DR Congo
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has stated that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is increasingly difficult to control due to armed conflict, displacement, and low public trust in health authorities.
Tedros made the remarks to reporters upon arriving in Kinshasa on Thursday evening (28 May) local time, saying his visit aims to show direct support to affected communities. ‘We want to show those affected that they are not alone,’ he said, adding WHO will continue to support on-ground efforts.
He explained WHO teams have been deployed to Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in eastern DRC, a major outbreak hotspot. Tedros is scheduled to visit Bunia on Friday (29 May) for a firsthand assessment.
According to Tedros, conflict and security issues are the main obstacles in containing the outbreak. He reiterated calls for an end to armed conflict in affected areas to facilitate healthcare delivery and patient treatment.
When asked about travel restrictions imposed by some countries on travellers from DRC, Tedros confirmed WHO does not recommend such measures. ‘Travel bans are not advised by WHO,’ he said, adding they may only temporarily delay disease spread without addressing the root cause.
‘The best approach is to intensify control measures at the source and provide support,’ Tedros stated. He warned that travel bans could also harm global health efforts by discouraging countries from openly reporting outbreaks due to fears of sanctions or international restrictions.
According to a DRC Ministry of Health report released on Wednesday (27 May), over 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and 238 deaths have been recorded in the latest outbreak spreading across eastern provinces. This marks the 17th Ebola epidemic in DRC.
Laboratory tests identified the virus strain as Bundibugyo, a relatively rare variant. WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May, while the Africa CDC has also issued a continental-level public health emergency alert.
WHO reported 101 confirmed Ebola cases in DRC, with the Africa CDC warning 10 neighbouring countries face high risk of regional spread.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has heightened vigilance at entry points following WHO’s PHEIC declaration for Ebola in DRC, with no cases detected so far in the country.
The US CDC has officially banned foreign travellers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan for 30 days to prevent virus spread. Meanwhile, the DRC national team has confirmed it will proceed with preparations for the 2026 World Cup despite quarantine warnings from the US. Plans for quarantine facilities in Kenya by the US have drawn sharp criticism for being unethical.