WHO Warns Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Ebola Outbreak Collides With Armed Conflict

The World Health Organization warned that eastern Democratic Republic of Congo faces a “catastrophic collision” between an Ebola outbreak and armed conflict, with the Ebola outbreak in Ituri province outpacing the response.

“The World Health Organization chief has warned that the conflict raging in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was dramatically complicating efforts to rein in an Ebola outbreak”

Al Jazeera

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “We cannot build community trust or isolate the sick while bombs are falling,” as insecurity and violence undermine efforts to contain the virus.

Al Jazeera

The WHO recorded 10 confirmed Ebola deaths and 220 suspected deaths in DRC since mid-May, and said the Bundibugyo strain spreading in the country has “no approved vaccine nor treatment.”

Tedros said stopping transmission “depends entirely on humanitarian access,” while ongoing clashes are driving mass displacement and pushing exposed contacts into overcrowded camps.

The UN World Health Organization also warned that attacks on health facilities and population movements make it “nearly impossible” to trace contacts and isolate cases.

Tedros urged an immediate ceasefire to allow medical teams safe access, posting on X, “We urge all warring parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire to contain this outbreak.”

Uganda announced the temporary closure of its border with the DRC, allowing only authorised response teams, humanitarian operators, food and cargo transportation to cross under strict health screenings.

Arise News

Uganda also said any person returning from the DRC to the country will undergo a mandatory self-isolation for 21 days, while schools in border districts would remain open.

The BBC reported that Uganda’s border closure would take effect immediately and that only essential workers would be allowed to cross under strict conditions.

The WHO warned that concerns over possible international spread have prompted countries to tighten border controls and travel restrictions, including Canada’s announced 90-day entry ban on residents from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

The WHO said the outbreak has already recorded nearly 900 suspected cases since the DRC declared it on May 15, and warned that the true spread of the virus was probably much wider.

“- Published Ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is hampering the Ebola outbreak response, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned”

BBC

The UN World Health Organization warned that the outbreak is spreading across 11 health zones, with cases also reported in North Kivu including in Butembo and Goma, and in South Kivu.

The UN-linked warning tied the health crisis to hunger and conflict, saying “Hunger and disease are old companions,” and that people weakened by hunger are far more vulnerable to infections.

In parallel, the WHO said conflict, poor infrastructure and insecurity are limiting the movement of aid and access to health services, with health facilities either non-functional or operating under severe constraints due to insecurity.

Médecins Sans Frontières said it could take several weeks to establish the infrastructure needed to contain the outbreak effectively, with Ewald Stals warning, “We’re still far behind having a control on the situation.”