Daijiworld Media Network – Kinshasa
Kinshasa, May 28: World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is travelling to Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as authorities intensify efforts to contain the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak.
In a message posted on X on Thursday, Tedros expressed solidarity with residents and health workers battling the outbreak in the eastern province, where the majority of cases have been recorded.
“I want you to know that you are not alone,” he said, while praising health workers as the “backbone of this response”.
Tedros announced that he would travel to Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, to meet local leaders and frontline workers.
“I am coming to Bunia. I will be there in person, alongside my colleagues, meeting your leaders, listening to your concerns, and doing everything in my power to help you,” he said.
According to the latest figures released by Congolese authorities, the outbreak has so far resulted in 121 confirmed Ebola cases and 17 confirmed deaths. Authorities have also recorded 1,077 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths, with officials estimating that the actual toll may be higher.
Health officials said the current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
Most previous Ebola outbreaks in Congo were linked to the Ebola Zaire strain, against which vaccines and treatments are available.
Meanwhile, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention chief Jean Kaseya said efforts were underway to develop a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain.
“What we can tell you for sure, by the end of this year, 2026, Africa CDC will make sure that we have a vaccine and medicine against Bundibugyo,” he told reporters.
Aid agencies have also stepped up emergency support in the affected region. A cargo aircraft carrying aid donated by the European Union delivered masks, gloves, boots and medicines to Bunia, where medical supplies are reportedly running critically low.
According to officials, additional EU aid consignments are expected over the coming days.
Health workers in affected areas are reportedly struggling with limited supplies and worsening security conditions. In some cases, doctors have allegedly been forced to use expired medical masks while treating suspected Ebola patients.
Tedros also appealed to armed groups operating in eastern Congo to allow humanitarian access.
“Please, declare a ceasefire. Even briefly. Even just enough to let health workers through,” he said.
Medical teams are facing challenges in implementing containment measures due to distrust among local residents and attacks on health facilities in the conflict-hit region.
Authorities in Congo have reportedly released 20 million US dollars to strengthen the outbreak response.
The United States also announced an additional 80 million US dollars in aid to help combat Ebola in Congo and neighbouring Uganda. The US State Department said total American assistance since the outbreak began now stands at 112 million US dollars.
Regional countries have also heightened surveillance measures. Africa CDC on Thursday confirmed eight Ebola cases in Uganda, including one death.
Ugandan Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine said a growing number of infections had been detected among healthcare workers due to their close contact with patients.
Uganda has also ordered the closure of its borders for at least four weeks as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, officials said Kenya has approved the establishment of a quarantine facility for US citizens exposed to Ebola at an air force base in Laikipia.
In a joint statement, the United States, Canada and Mexico announced new public health travel measures for travellers arriving from African regions considered at higher risk from Ebola infection.