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, regarding 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, Minister of Communication and Medias Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, and 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 community engagement as a central component. The statement notes that no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain, but 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 also emphasizes maintaining primary health care and essential services during the outbreak response.
What’s reported
The joint statement was issued by the Government of the DRC and WHO on May 31, 2026.
The outbreak involves Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
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 response includes surveillance, laboratory testing, patient care, and community engagement.
The statement calls for maintaining primary health care and essential services.
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
