WHO is stepping up efforts to control the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On May 30, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, arrived in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, to assess the situation and promote efforts to respond to the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Central African nation.

UN Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on May 30, 2026. Photo: Reuters.

Speaking during the visit, the WHO head expressed confidence that the pandemic could be controlled with active community participation under government coordination. He emphasized that, in addition to increasing financial and logistical support for emergency operations, the current crisis should also be seen as an opportunity to strengthen national health systems.

According to Tedros, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most experienced countries in the world in the fight against Ebola. Since the disease first appeared in the country in 1976, the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced 16 outbreaks and successfully controlled them all. This is the 17th outbreak, and the experience accumulated over the years is the basis for WHO's confidence in its ability to control the situation.

The WHO head also stated that solidarity and the participation of local people are crucial to the success of epidemic control measures. He emphasized that the community needs to play a central role in all response efforts and called on international partners to continue supporting the Congolese government in its fight against Ebola.

Bunia, a city of over one million people in Ituri province, is currently considered the epicenter of the outbreak. However, health experts warn that the rate of virus spread is exceeding current response capabilities, despite better-organized healthcare infrastructure compared to previous outbreaks and continuously increasing international aid.

According to the latest official figures, the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 1,000 suspected cases of Ebola and 223 deaths suspected to be related to the disease. Photo: Reuters.

According to the latest official figures, the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 1,000 suspected cases of Ebola and 223 deaths suspected to be related to the disease. The virus has now spread to many areas outside Ituri province, raising concerns about the risk of a widespread outbreak.

Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda has confirmed nine cases of Ebola and one death. Regional health officials are stepping up border surveillance, contact tracing, and implementing disease control measures to prevent the risk of spread to other countries.

Ngoc Lien

Source: Global News/Reuters

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/who-thuc-day-no-luc-khong-che-dich-ebola-tai-chdc-congo-289485.htm