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HealthWHO chief arrives in eastern DRC to tackle rare Ebola outbreak
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WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on May 30, 2026, to address a rapidly spreading outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Ituri province. The outbreak has outpaced response efforts, with 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths reported in the DRC, and 9 confirmed cases and 1 death in neighboring Uganda. The Bundibugyo virus has no approved treatment or vaccine. Tedros visited treatment centers and met with local authorities and health workers, expressing confidence that the DRC can control the outbreak despite challenges. The European Union delivered medical aid on May 28, and the U.S. announced an additional $80 million in aid, bringing its total commitment to over $112 million. Health facilities in Bunia have improved organization and supplies, but patients continue to arrive around the clock.
Source report
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus landed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as authorities intensify efforts to contain a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak.
Published - May 30, 2026 06:02 pm IST | Bunia, Congo
AP
Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrives in Bunia, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as efforts intensified to contain a growing Ebola outbreak. | Photo Credit: Reuters
The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, arrived on Saturday (May 30, 2026) in Bunia, a city at the heart of an outbreak of a rare type of Ebola. The virus continues to spread faster than the response, despite better-organised health facilities and new aid arrivals.
Dr. Tedros is expected to visit a treatment centre and meet local authorities, health workers, and affected families in Bunia.
“The best way to address this is to provide all the necessary support to fight the disease at its epicentre and to continue offering every assistance needed,” Tedros told reporters late Friday (May 29, 2026).
Key Figures
- DRC: 906 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths, according to the WHO.
- Uganda: Nine confirmed cases and one death, as reported by the country’s health ministry on Friday (May 30, 2026).
Current Challenges
The Bundibugyo virus, the strain responsible for the current outbreak, has no approved treatment or vaccine.
“This is a difficult situation, and we recognise that. But the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced the Ebola virus many times before. We are confident that it can once again bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Tedros told reporters on Friday after meeting with Congo's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
International Response
- European Union (EU): Medical aid arrived in Ituri on Thursday (May 28, 2026), with more shipments expected over the next eight days.
- United States: Announced $80 million in additional aid on the same day, bringing its total commitment to more than $112 million.
On-the-Ground Situation
Response efforts at Bunia's Rwampara and General hospitals appear more organised, with additional staff, protective gear, and medical supplies. However, patients continue arriving around the clock.
Related Article: WHO Chief lands in Congo to address rare Ebola outbreak amid distrust and insecurity
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Part of this Story
Deadly Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Spreads to Uganda