DRC and WHO Issue Joint Statement on Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak
7 reported
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the World Health Organization issued a joint statement on May 31, 2026, reaffirming their partnership in response to an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The statement follows a high-level joint mission to Bunia led by DRC Minister of Health Dr Samuel Roger Kamba and Minister of Communication Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, along with a visit by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Ministry of Health reports a rapidly evolving situation with cases and deaths in several health zones of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The response includes intensified surveillance, laboratory testing, and patient care, with the DRC government leading a comprehensive national effort supported by WHO, the United Nations system, and other partners. The statement notes that the Bundibugyo strain presents additional challenges, including the absence of a licensed vaccine or specific treatment, but that proven public health measures remain effective. The DRC and WHO are working to rapidly undertake randomized control trials on candidate vaccines and treatments. The statement emphasizes that community trust and engagement are central to the response, and that outbreak efforts must maintain primary health care and strengthen long-term health system resilience.
What’s reported
The joint statement was issued by the Government of the DRC and WHO on May 31, 2026.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of Ebola.
Cases and deaths have been reported in health zones of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
No licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain.
Randomized control trials on candidate vaccines and treatments are being planned.
The high-level mission to Bunia included Minister of Health Dr Samuel Roger Kamba and Minister of Communication Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, along with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The DRC has successfully contained multiple previous Ebola outbreaks.
Key figures
Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Health of the DRC
Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Medias of the DRC
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
Sources: World Health Organization
