WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision underscores the severity of the epidemic and the necessity for a coordinated international response.

As of May 16, 2026, the DRC's Ituri Province has reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths across health zones including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu. In Uganda, two laboratory-confirmed cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala on May 15 and 16, involving individuals who had traveled from the DRC.

The WHO Director-General expressed gratitude to the leadership of the DRC and Uganda for their commitment to controlling the outbreak and for their transparency in assessing the risk to other nations.

The declaration of a PHEIC aims to enhance international monitoring, containment, and response efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.