WHO Urges Review of Travel Restrictions Due to 2026 Ebola Outbreak

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged countries to review travel restrictions and border closures imposed due to the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Speaking at a press conference in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, on Saturday (30 May), Tedros stressed that international unity and solidarity are key to tackling the epidemic. He warned that restrictive measures such as visa suspensions and border closures could hinder transparency in case reporting on the ground.

Several countries have implemented strict measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Canada and the United States have imposed travel restrictions and visa suspensions for residents from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Regionally, Rwanda and Uganda, which share borders with Congo, have tightened access. Rwanda has even enforced strict rules barring foreigners who have travelled to Congo in the past 30 days.

The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain. To date, no vaccines or approved treatments exist specifically for this variant.

According to the latest WHO data released on Friday (29 May), the epidemiological situation shows a concerning trend:

Tedros emphasised that response efforts must centre local communities. “We are not here to tell people what to do. We are here to listen. Communities understand their own challenges and solutions. Our role is to support the implementation of these solutions together,” he said.

WHO continues to monitor developments on the ground and coordinate with local health authorities to curb the spread of the Bundibugyo strain in Central Africa. (Ant/H-3)