WHO Director-General Visits Eastern Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak

BUNIA, Democratic Republic of Congo — WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in eastern DR Congo to address an Ebola outbreak that spreads faster than response efforts. Bunia remains at the outbreak’s epicenter, despite enhanced health facilities and new aid arrivals.

During his visit, Tedros planned to inspect a treatment center and engage with local authorities, health workers, and affected families. He stated, “Providing necessary support at the epicenter and ensuring all needed assistance continues is crucial.”

The World Health Organization reported 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths. Neighboring Uganda confirmed nine cases and one death. The Bundibugyo virus, the current Ebola strain, has no approved treatment or vaccine.

“This is a difficult situation, and we recognize that. But the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced the Ebola virus many times before. We are confident that it can once again bring this outbreak under control,”

Tedros expressed optimism, emphasizing DRC’s experience with previous Ebola outbreaks. Medical aid has arrived in Ituri, the outbreak’s heart, with more shipments expected. The U.S. announced an additional $80 million in aid, totaling over $112 million committed to the response.

Efforts at Bunia’s hospitals are more organized, with more staff and medical supplies. Patients continue to arrive continuously, reported an AP journalist. Yet, the outbreak spreads rapidly, as warned by Doctors Without Borders.

Dr. Alan Gonzalez of MSF emphasized the urgent need for expanded testing and more aid workers, citing uncertainty about the outbreak’s true scale.

Challenges increase due to local resistance against medical protocols conflicting with burial traditions. At least three attacks on health centers have occurred.

Attacks in Ituri by the Allied Democratic Force and ethnic militias, as well as M23 rebels’ control in provinces like North Kivu and South Kivu, complicate response efforts. Two Ebola cases were reported by the rebels.

Both Uganda and Rwanda closed their borders. The Trump administration barred entry to non-U.S. passport holders recently visiting DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan. Tedros criticized border closures, emphasizing that it discourages openness and transparency in outbreak reporting.