Khadijah Aliyu-Nigeria
The Director-General of the World Health Organization WHO , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the urgent need for coordinated global action.
Speaking during a media briefing, Tedros said the declaration was made under Article 12 of the International Health Regulations after consultations with health authorities in both countries.
He noted that although the outbreak constitutes a major international health concern, it has not been classified as a pandemic emergency — the highest alert level under the amended International Health Regulations.
According to the WHO chief, 51 confirmed Ebola cases have so far been recorded in the DRC, particularly in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, including the cities of Bunia and Goma.
Uganda has also confirmed two cases in the capital, Kampala, including one death involving individuals who travelled from the DRC.
Tedros further disclosed that an American national working in the DRC had tested positive and was transferred to Germany for treatment.
The WHO warned that the outbreak could spread further, noting that beyond confirmed infections, nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths have already been reported.
Health officials also expressed concern over the spread of infections to urban centres, deaths among healthcare workers, and increased population movement in conflict-affected areas.
According to Tedros, insecurity in Ituri Province has worsened significantly since late 2025, with intensified fighting and the displacement of more than 100,000 people in the past two months.
He also explained that the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
“In light of all these risks, I decided it was urgent to act immediately to prevent more deaths and mobilise an effective international response,” he stated.
The WHO chief commended the governments of the DRC and Uganda for their cooperation and response efforts.
He particularly praised Ugandan authorities for postponing the annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations, which usually attract millions of people, to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Tedros specifically acknowledged Yoweri Museveni for supporting the decision.
The WHO said it has already deployed personnel, medical supplies, equipment, and emergency funding to affected areas.
Tedros revealed that an additional 3.4 million US dollars had been released from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, bringing the organisation’s total emergency support to 3.9 million dollars.
The briefing also featured Professor Lucille Blumberg of the University of Pretoria, who chairs the WHO Emergency Committee on the outbreak.