Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo as Officials Call for Urgent Global Action

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo are urging immediate international support as the country battles a worsening Ebola outbreak in Ituri province. Governor Johnny Luboya Nkashama warned that the region could face a major disaster without rapid action.

The outbreak began on 15 May and has already caused more than 900 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths. The World Health Organization also declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern after cases spread faster than expected.

Ituri Struggles With Growing Health Crisis

Governor Nkashama described the Ebola outbreak as a “second war” for Ituri province. The area already faces armed conflict, food shortages and overcrowding. These conditions continue to complicate efforts to contain the virus.

He called for more trained health workers and secure treatment centres to improve the response. Angry relatives recently attacked two Ebola treatment centres while trying to recover the bodies of family members who died from the virus.

Ituri has remained under military rule since 2021 as the government fights armed groups operating in the region, including the Allied Democratic Forces linked to the Islamic State group.

WHO Warns Response Teams Are Falling Behind

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said response teams are currently “playing catch-up” as infections continue to increase.

Authorities have also reported Ebola cases in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Meanwhile, neighbouring Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases linked to the outbreak.

Health experts fear cross-border movement could increase regional transmission if authorities fail to strengthen containment measures quickly.

Africa CDC Mobilises Emergency Support

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has intensified coordination efforts with DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya confirmed that participating countries approved a $319 million emergency response plan to stop further spread.

Affected countries have already secured about 10% of the required funding. In addition, Cyril Ramaphosa pledged an initial $5 million contribution to support response operations.

African business leaders are also expected to help raise additional funds. International partners continue discussions on further financial support.

Countries Face Increased Ebola Risk

Africa CDC warned that several African countries remain vulnerable to possible Ebola spread. These include Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi and Zambia.

This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in DR Congo since scientists first discovered the virus in 1976. The current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which last appeared more than a decade ago.

Researchers are currently developing vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain because no approved vaccine or treatment exists yet.