WHO calls for ceasefire in DR Congo to contain Ebola

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is severely undermining efforts to contain a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak.

On Wednesday, May 27, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as “a catastrophic collision of disease and conflict.”

He noted that the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, is outpacing the response.

Tedros said that stopping Ebola transmission depends on humanitarian access, but the conflict is hindering those efforts.

“Ongoing clashes are driving mass displacement, pushing exposed contacts into overcrowded camps and severing critical containment corridors. Frontline workers are risking everything, while attacks on health facilities make tracking cases and their contacts nearly impossible. We cannot build community trust or isolate the sick while bombs are falling.”

He concluded by urging the conflicting parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire to help contain the Ebola outbreak.

Since mid-May, the WHO has recorded 10 confirmed deaths and more than 200 suspected deaths, with over 900 suspected cases reported across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces.

Neighboring Uganda, which has recorded seven cases, announced that it would close its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo with immediate effect.

Donors have pledged around $500 million, but aid delivery has lagged as health workers race to scale up prevention measures.

Tedros is expected to visit the region later this week.