Since mid-May, the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced a relentless Ebola outbreak, with 1,203 confirmed cases and 321 deaths reported by health authorities. The latest health bulletin highlights the growing crisis, particularly as the disease spreads across 34 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces—where Ituri remains the hardest-hit region.
While 148 patients have recovered, 419 others remain hospitalized or in isolation, battling the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Health officials warn that the outbreak’s containment efforts face significant obstacles, including low community trust in post-mortem testing, strained healthcare capacity in Ituri, and a contact tracing rate below 95%—the target set by health experts. Authorities urge the public to report suspected cases promptly, adhere to hygiene protocols, and avoid touching deceased individuals.
International partners step up coordinated efforts
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has joined forces with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health bodies to strengthen the response. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of a unified strategy involving African nations, the WHO, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted how ongoing armed conflicts in the region disrupt critical health interventions by restricting access to affected areas, displacing contacts, and fueling public distrust.
Africa unites to bolster outbreak response
In a bid to enhance cross-border collaboration, Africa CDC, the WHO Africa Regional Office, and Uganda’s government have launched the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST). Headquartered at Makerere University in Uganda, this initiative will streamline technical assistance, improve coordination, and reinforce preparedness in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and neighboring countries at risk.
The IMST reflects Africa’s commitment to building resilient health systems capable of responding swiftly to emergencies through collective, state-led action.
