WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda a global health emergency

May 17, 2026 - 16:01

The World Health Organization has officially classified the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern. The decision, announced after an emergency committee meeting, highlights the growing risk of cross-border transmission and the need for a coordinated global response.

DR Congo accounts for all except two of the suspected cases, both of which were reported in neighbouring Uganda. The outbreak, which began in eastern DR Congo, has been particularly challenging due to ongoing conflict, population displacement, and limited healthcare infrastructure in the affected regions. Health workers have faced attacks and logistical hurdles, slowing containment efforts.

The WHO's emergency designation aims to unlock additional funding, resources, and international support to curb the spread of the virus. Uganda has already implemented screening measures at border crossings and is preparing to deploy experimental vaccines. However, experts warn that without rapid containment, the outbreak could spiral into a larger regional crisis. The last such emergency was declared for the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic, which killed over 11,000 people.