WHO Director-General Visits Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak

On May 31, 2026, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), visited health workers at the Evangelical Medical Centre (CEM) in Bunia, Congo. This visit comes in the wake of an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country.

As of late Sunday, Congo has reported at least 282 confirmed cases of Ebola, concentrated mainly in the eastern Ituri province, with 264 cases documented there. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus species, which lacks approved treatments or vaccines.

The Ministry of Health of Congo highlighted key challenges in controlling the outbreak. Rapid isolation, rigorous contact tracing, and effective infection prevention are essential. Safe burials also play a crucial role in preventing the spread. The current contact tracing coverage rate stands at 45%, with 220 suspected cases under investigation.

Health workers recovering from Ebola have shared their relief. Baraka Bulambulu, a nurse at CEM, expressed joy after his tests indicated recovery. Bulambulu, along with other survivors, received recovery certificates from the WHO Director-General.

“The first test was positive, but subsequent tests were negative,” Bulambulu said, smiling. Coming out of this illness alive is an indescribable joy.

Another nurse, Ezo Étienne, described how he initially felt dizzy during ward rounds at the hospital. This symptom led him to suspect Ebola, confirmed by testing and his subsequent recovery.

All five survivors are health workers, including nurses and a laboratory worker, emphasizing the risk faced by medical personnel during the outbreak. Current treatments focus on symptom management.

“Your courage gives hope,” Tedros stated during the visit. “Your living story proves this outbreak can be stopped.”

Neighboring Uganda reported nine Ebola cases and closed its border with Congo to curb its spread. The Bundibugyo virus is rare, compounding the challenge due to the absence of vaccines and treatments. Armed violence further complicates response efforts.

Despite difficulties, recoveries represent “victory worth celebrating,” according to Dr. Dieudonne Mwamba Kazadi, Congo’s Public Health chief. He emphasized the importance of seeking early treatment in dedicated facilities for potential recovery.