Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is battling its fastest-growing and second-deadliest Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus with no approved vaccines. Over 1,700 deaths and 3,900 cases have been recorded, concentrated in Ituri province. The response is crippled by community mistrust, armed conflict, attacks on health centers, and a strike by unpaid health workers. The WHO and Africa CDC are investigating a possible virus mutation as the outbreak threatens regional stability.

14 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 17, 01:48 AM UTC

The United Nations has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo the fastest growing of all time, with over 1,400 deaths reported so far. UN Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis stated that cases are increasing exponentially and doubling every 20 days, outpacing the expansion of aid measures. Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, noted that 1,000 people died in the last two months, compared to eight months for the same death toll during the West Africa outbreak. The UN is urgently calling for a massive expansion of relief supplies, protective equipment, personnel, and medical professionals. Early treatment is emphasized as critical for survival. The current outbreak has already surpassed the 2018-2020 eastern Congo outbreak which killed around 2,300 people, though it remains below the 2014-2015 West Africa epidemic that killed over 11,000.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:59 PM UTC

The United Nations has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo the fastest-growing in history, with more than 1,400 deaths reported. UN officials report that cases are doubling every 20 days, outpacing aid efforts. In the last two months alone, 1,000 people have died, compared to eight months during the 2014-2015 West Africa epidemic. UN Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis and WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau call for a massive expansion of relief supplies, protective equipment, and medical personnel. Early treatment is emphasized as critical for survival. The outbreak has already surpassed the 2018-2020 eastern Congo outbreak, which killed around 2,300 people.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:59 PM UTC

Uganda's health authorities declared the country Ebola-free on July 28, 2026, after its last patient completed a 42-day monitoring period without new infections. The outbreak in Uganda resulted in 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. However, the situation remains dire in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, where cases have reached 3,262 with 1,437 deaths, nearing the record of the 2018-2020 outbreak. The Africa CDC warned that funding needs have tripled to $1.4 billion, and the WHO reported that cases are still spreading undetected. The U.S. submitted a $1.4 billion supplemental funding request to Congress, while protests in Kenya over a planned U.S.-backed quarantine facility led to two deaths. The WHO also noted that the outbreak could become the worst on record if not contained soon.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:45 PM UTC

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated dramatically, with the death toll surpassing 1,400 and confirmed cases reaching 3,200. The virus is described as 'spreading like a wildfire,' particularly affecting crowded camps. Vaccine trials have begun in an effort to contain the outbreak. The situation is compounded by health workers going on strike, which hampers response efforts. Multiple news outlets, including DW.com, Al Jazeera, AP News, The New York Times, and Reuters, report on the worsening crisis, highlighting the urgent need for containment and treatment measures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 06:14 AM UTC

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is worsening, with cases approaching 3,000 and over 1,300 deaths reported. The crisis is compounded by health workers going on strike due to unpaid salaries and hazardous working conditions. Violence and shortages of medical supplies are further hampering the response efforts. Multiple news outlets, including ABC News, NPR, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and The New Yorker, are covering the deteriorating situation, highlighting the challenges faced by medics on the front lines. The outbreak shows no signs of abating, with doctors expressing uncertainty about when it will end.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 11:18 AM UTC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a deepening Ebola crisis, with health workers reporting severe hardships including unpaid salaries. A data review has confirmed nearly 3,000 infections, and deaths have surpassed 1,000. Doctors warn the virus is spreading too rapidly to contain and are calling for urgent international assistance. The outbreak, which has been ongoing, is overwhelming local healthcare systems and exacerbating challenges in an already fragile region. Multiple news sources, including Al Jazeera, Reuters, and Devdiscourse, highlight the severity of the situation, with frontline workers struggling to respond effectively amid resource shortages.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:14 AM UTC

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with 2,536 cases reported since May 15, making it the fastest-growing outbreak on record, according to African health officials. The Bundibugyo virus strain responsible has no approved vaccines or treatments. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, stated at a health summit in Ghana that people are dying due to lack of vaccines, medicine, and funding. The current outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track, compared to the 2013-2016 outbreak which took eight months to reach 1,000 deaths. A Merck Ebola vaccine licensed for the Zaire virus may offer some cross-protection against Bundibugyo, according to a New England Journal of Medicine study, but the WHO has expressed lukewarm support for testing it in Congo. Bundibugyo-specific vaccines remain months away from clinical trials.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:48 PM UTC

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with 2,536 cases reported since May 15, making it the fastest-growing outbreak on record. The Bundibugyo virus strain responsible has no approved vaccines or treatments. Dr. Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC highlighted the lack of vaccines, medicine, and funding as contributing to deaths. The current outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track, compared to the 2013-2016 outbreak which took eight months to reach 1,000 deaths. A Merck Ebola vaccine licensed for the Zaire virus may offer some cross-protection against Bundibugyo, according to a New England Journal of Medicine study, but the WHO has shown lukewarm support for testing it in Congo. Bundibugyo-specific vaccines remain months away from clinical trials.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:48 PM UTC

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,000 deaths, with 2,536 cases reported since May 15, making it the fastest-growing outbreak on record. The Bundibugyo virus strain responsible has no approved vaccines or treatments. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, highlighted the lack of vaccines, medicine, and funding as contributing to fatalities. The current outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can track, compared to the 2013-2016 outbreak which took eight months to reach 1,000 deaths. A Merck Ebola vaccine licensed for the Zaire virus may offer some cross-protection against Bundibugyo, according to a New England Journal of Medicine study, but the WHO has shown lukewarm support for testing it in Congo. Bundibugyo-specific vaccines remain months away from clinical trials.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:48 PM UTC

In an interview with Foot Mercato, Democratic Republic of Congo starting goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi reflects on the team's heroic World Cup campaign after a 52-year absence. The Leopards reached the Round of 16, where they lost 2-1 to England. Mpasi, who made several key saves against Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, expresses pride in the team's performance and the global recognition it brought to Congolese football. He discusses the team's resilience, the leadership of veteran striker Cédric Bakambu, and the emotional post-match huddle. Mpasi emphasizes that this World Cup is a step in the recovery of DRC football and hopes it will bring lasting changes. He also touches on his personal journey with the national team and his ambitions at club and international level.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:00 PM UTC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its fastest Ebola outbreak in history, with nearly 1,000 deaths reported. Healthcare workers are striking due to local resistance, unpaid labor, and physical assault. The crisis highlights severe challenges in containing the virus, including community mistrust and inadequate support for medical personnel. The outbreak has overwhelmed the healthcare system, and the strike further hampers response efforts. The situation remains critical as authorities struggle to manage both the epidemic and the labor dispute.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:53 PM UTC

According to a report by Hupu Football News on July 22, the statistics website Squawka released a ranking of the most missed big chances in a single match at the 2026 World Cup. The list is topped by the England vs Democratic Republic of Congo Round of 32 match with 7 missed chances. Other matches with 6 missed chances include Qatar vs Switzerland (Group stage), England vs Croatia (Group stage), Ecuador vs Curaçao (Group stage), France vs Sweden (Round of 32), Brazil vs Norway (Round of 16), France vs Morocco (Quarter-finals), and France vs England (Third-place match). Matches with 5 missed chances include Turkey vs Paraguay and Portugal vs Uzbekistan, both in the group stage. The data is sourced from X (formerly Twitter).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:36 AM UTC

A UN report released on July 21, 2026, reveals that Africa has overtaken Asia as the continent with the largest number of people facing hunger, with 309 million Africans (20% of the population) affected compared to 292 million in Asia (6%). The annual report by the FAO and four other UN agencies shows gradual global improvement in reducing hunger, with the proportion of the world's hungry falling from 8.6% in 2022 to 7.8% in 2025, though levels remain above pre-COVID figures. However, progress is uneven: undernourishment has risen in Africa since 2017, and two-thirds of Africans cannot afford a healthy diet—more than double Asia's rate. The report highlights severe climate shocks, conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and rising energy and fertilizer costs as key drivers. African nations are urged to prioritize transforming the animal source food sector to address affordability.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:25 PM UTC

This article profiles Adelard Mayanga, a former Zaire (now DR Congo) national team footballer who played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany. Mayanga, now 77 and living modestly in Belgium, recounts the historic but ultimately tragic experience. Zaire became the first sub-Saharan African team to qualify for a World Cup, but the tournament was marred by a bonus dispute after dictator Mobutu Sese Seko's promised payments were diverted by a politician. The team lost all three group matches (0-2 to Scotland, 0-9 to Yugoslavia, 0-3 to Brazil). After the tournament, the players received no welcome or recognition upon returning to Kinshasa. Mayanga's jersey from the Brazil match was later stolen. The article highlights the forgotten glory and personal hardships of these pioneering players.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:14 PM UTC

The article reports on the widespread abuse of the synthetic opioid Tramadol in the Central African Republic, where it is smuggled from Asia via the Democratic Republic of Congo. The drug, originally a prescription painkiller, is sold openly in markets and pharmacies, often in high doses of 200 milligrams. Militia fighters and gold miners consume up to ten pills daily, inducing a state of fearlessness and aggression that fuels violence. The report, published by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), highlights how Tramadol has replaced a previous homemade drug called 'Krikri' and is now central to the violent ecosystem in the country, which has been mired in civil war since 2013.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:02 PM UTC

Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE: HBM) saw its shares rise in Q2 2026, driven by a 9.7% increase in copper prices, supported by demand from electrification, AI, and defense sectors. The L1 Long Short Fund, which holds a long position in HBM, reported a 12.7% quarterly gain. Copper supply remains constrained due to weak Chilean production, mine disruptions in Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and higher sulfuric acid costs linked to the Middle East conflict. During the quarter, Hudbay completed its all-share acquisition of Arizona Sonoran, gaining one of the largest growing copper districts in North America. The fund maintains a positive medium-term outlook on copper due to global supply tightness. As of July 17, 2026, HBM closed at $20.36 per share, with a market cap of $9.04 billion, a one-month return of -27.05%, and a 52-week gain of 107.76%.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:24 PM UTC

In Kenya, seven US doctors from the evangelical aid organization Samaritan's Purse who recently treated Ebola patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been flown to a newly built US quarantine center at the Laikipia Air Base, approximately 200 kilometers north of Nairobi. This transfer occurred despite a Kenyan High Court order prohibiting construction and operation of the facility until a final ruling, expected on Thursday. The court had previously halted construction in June following mass protests and a lawsuit by the human rights group Katiba Institute. Katiba condemned the move as a 'blatant and dangerous disregard' for court orders, accusing Kenyan officials of breaking their oath of office. The US government funded the $13 million facility to exclusively quarantine US citizens traveling from Ebola-affected countries. Kenya's government has remained silent on the violation, while a US diplomat claimed Kenyan authorities approved the transfer under supervision of US health officials.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 11:48 AM UTC

At least 930 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak, according to the country's Ministry of Health. The deaths were recorded among 2,344 confirmed cases as of July 18, 2026. Thirty-seven new deaths were reported in the previous 24 hours, marking one of the highest single-day totals. The outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The responsible virus, Bundibugyo, is less common than other Ebola-causing viruses, and there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment available.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:55 AM UTC

This opinion column contrasts the optimism of 2006, when the German Bundeswehr helped secure the DR Congo's first free elections, with the grim reality of 2026. Twenty years later, the constitution is being dismantled, free political activity is suppressed, and the world looks away. President Joseph Kabila, who won the 2006 elections, built an autocratic and corrupt system before handing power to loyalist Félix Tshisekedi in 2018. Tshisekedi has made some reforms but political freedoms have eroded. Rwanda-backed rebels control eastern cities, Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia, and the pluralistic media landscape of 2006 has given way to paranoid patriotism. The UDPS party, now in power, boycotted the 2006 elections and rejected the constitution.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:33 PM UTC

Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16, 2026, starting a 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free by the WHO. Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi confirmed that all 20 cases in Uganda were imported from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, with only two deaths. In contrast, the DR Congo outbreak is worsening, with over 2,000 confirmed cases and more than 700 deaths. The virus, a rare Bundibugyo strain, has spread to multiple provinces, including Haut-Uélé and Tshopo, near borders with South Sudan and the Central African Republic. The WHO classified the outbreak as an international health emergency in May. Dilapidated healthcare systems and ongoing armed conflicts in the region complicate containment efforts. Genetic analysis shows that vaccines and treatments for this strain are still under development.

1 reports · 1 sources

A U.S. citizen working for a humanitarian organization in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for Ebola amid a record outbreak. This is the second American infected in the region. The patient was transferred to Frankfurt University Hospital in Germany for treatment and is in stable condition. The CDC and WHO are coordinating contact tracing and containment efforts. The U.S. also announced restrictions on citizens in DRC traveling home due to the outbreak.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 14, 02:20 AM UTC

Health officials have declared a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. Preliminary tests suggest a non-Zaire strain, complicating response efforts as existing vaccines target only the Zaire variant. The Africa CDC is coordinating with Uganda and South Sudan to enhance cross-border surveillance amid concerns over rapid spread due to high population movement and ongoing armed conflict. This marks the DRC’s 17th outbreak since 1976, occurring just five months after the previous epidemic ended, straining local resources and infrastructure.

29 reports · 25 sources · Updated May 16, 03:02 PM UTC

This intelligence brief from May 15, 2026, highlights six major institutional developments across Africa. In Nigeria, Aliko Dangote refused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's request to increase its stake in the Lekki Refinery, opting instead for a broad-based IPO structure while reporting high capacity utilization. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced R890 billion in investment commitments from the sixth South Africa Investment Conference, projecting 230,000 new jobs. Health authorities confirmed a new non-Zaire Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, prompting emergency cross-border coordination. Economically, Botswana faced a sharp inflation spike to 10.3% driven by transport costs and energy shocks, leading to a preemptive interest rate hike. Additionally, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia amid diplomatic tensions. The brief also notes mixed performance in regional stock markets, including gains in Nigeria and Kenya but declines in South Africa and Ghana.

1 reports · 1 sources

This opinion piece argues that simultaneous Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks demonstrate the world's inadequate preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused significant casualties, exacerbated by conflict and weak health infrastructure. Meanwhile, a hantavirus cluster linked to a cruise ship in Argentina raises concerns about international travel and cross-border coordination. The author contends that despite warnings following the pandemic, global health systems are deteriorating due to funding strains, eroded trust, and geopolitical tensions. Factors like climate change, urbanization, and human encroachment into wildlife habitats are intensifying disease emergence risks. The article emphasizes that outbreaks are no longer isolated biomedical events but complex humanitarian crises requiring robust international cooperation. It calls for sustained investment in surveillance, laboratory networks, and workforce training rather than reactive measures. Strengthening institutions like the World Health Organization and Africa CDC is presented as essential for global security, asserting that supporting affected nations is a strategic necessity, not charity, especially with upcoming mass gatherings like the FIFA World Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources

NanoViricides (NYSE-A: NNVC) has announced a registered direct offering to raise approximately $2 million in gross proceeds from a single institutional investor. Under the agreement, the company will sell slightly over 1.3 million common shares or pre-funded warrants, accompanied by warrants to purchase an equal number of shares at an exercise price of $1.75, expiring in three years. This financing aims to support the company's near-term focus on a Phase II clinical trial for its lead drug candidate, NV-387, targeting monkeypox treatment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has received regulatory approval from ACOREP. Additionally, the US FDA recently granted orphan drug designation to NV-387 for measles treatment, with further applications pending for MPox and smallpox indications. As of March 31, 2026, NanoViricides reported cash reserves of $3.38 million. The company also maintains access to an at-the-market stock facility and an undrawn $3 million credit line from its founder, providing additional financial flexibility as it advances its clinical pipeline and regulatory strategies for rare pediatric diseases.

1 reports · 1 sources

Health authorities have declared an Ebola epidemic in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region heavily impacted by ongoing armed conflicts. The announcement was made by the African Union health agency, specifically the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Laboratory tests have confirmed four deaths directly linked to the Ebola virus. Additionally, the country has recorded 246 suspected cases, resulting in 65 fatalities in total, though not all suspected cases have been laboratory-confirmed. The confirmation comes after 13 out of 20 samples analyzed in the capital, Kinshasa, tested positive for the virus. This outbreak follows a previous incident in central DRC declared in August 2025, which caused at least 34 deaths before being eradicated in December. Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever transmitted through bodily fluids, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, and hemorrhages. The virus has historically caused significant mortality in Africa, with the 2018-2020 outbreak in Congo leaving 2,300 dead. Health workers are currently responding to the crisis in a challenging security environment.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s remote Ituri province. As of May 15, 2026, authorities have recorded 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, primarily within the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Preliminary laboratory tests detected the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 samples, with four deaths confirmed among laboratory-verified cases. Additional suspected cases are being investigated in Bunia, the provincial capital near the Ugandan border. The Africa CDC, serving as the continent’s leading public health body, has called for an urgent cross-border meeting to coordinate containment efforts and prevent regional spread. Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, and semen. This outbreak emerges approximately five months after the previous epidemic in the region was declared over, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in public health infrastructure. Health workers are currently deploying protective measures in affected areas to manage the highly contagious virus and mitigate further transmission risks among local communities.

1 reports · 1 sources

A new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in at least 65 deaths, with approximately 246 additional probable infections reported by the Africa CDC. The African Union's health organization is urgently convening emergency coordination meetings with officials from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, alongside other international partners, to address the escalating crisis. The majority of cases have been identified in Ituri Province, a remote region in northeastern Congo bordering Uganda. Response efforts are significantly hampered by the area's poor road infrastructure, which complicates the delivery of vaccines and medical supplies. This development follows a previous outbreak that ended just five months ago, killing 43 people, and comes after a period of relative decline in fatalities since the major 2018-2020 epidemic that claimed nearly 2,300 lives. Ebola, a severe infectious disease characterized by high fever and internal bleeding, has a mortality rate of approximately 50 percent and spreads through contact with bodily fluids. The virus also possesses the ability to remain dormant in survivors for years, posing ongoing public health challenges for the region.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the remote Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities report 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, with four infections confirmed via laboratory tests. The region, located over 1,000 kilometers from the capital Kinshasa, lacks a developed road network, significantly hindering containment efforts and medical access. In response, the Africa CDC is convening an urgent meeting with officials from Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners to strengthen border controls and implement precautionary measures. The high mobility of travelers due to intensive mining activities in cities like Bunia and Rwampara further exacerbates the risk of spread. Ebola is highly contagious, transmitted through body fluids, with funerals posing a significant infection risk. This outbreak occurs just five months after a previous epidemic in the country ended with 43 deaths, highlighting the persistent public health challenges in the region.

1 reports · 1 sources