DRC and WHO Joint Statement on Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the World Health Organization have issued a joint statement reaffirming their partnership following a high-level mission to Bunia led by the Minister of Health, the Minister of Communication and Medias, and the WHO Director-General. The statement addresses an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, with cases reported in several health zones of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The Ministry of Health describes the situation as rapidly evolving. Authorities are intensifying surveillance, laboratory testing, and patient care to interrupt transmission. The statement notes that no licensed vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain, but randomized control trials on candidate vaccines and treatments are being planned. Community engagement is described as central to the response, with dialogue involving leaders, women’s groups, youth, religious leaders, and the private sector. The statement calls for sustained international solidarity and emphasizes that borders should remain open for medical supplies and personnel.
What’s reported
The joint statement follows a high-level mission to Bunia led by DRC Minister of Health Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Communication and Medias Mr Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The outbreak involves Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
Cases and deaths have been reported in several health zones of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
No licensed vaccine or specific treatment is available for the Bundibugyo strain.
Randomized control trials on candidate vaccines and treatments are being rapidly undertaken.
Response priorities include early detection, contact tracing, safe burials, infection prevention in health facilities, and community awareness.
The DRC has successfully contained multiple previous Ebola outbreaks.
The statement calls for borders to remain open to ensure flow of medical supplies and personnel.
Key figures
Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mr Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Medias of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization
Sources: World Health Organization
