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), citing the rapid spread of the disease and cross-border transmission.

As of May 16, 2026, health authorities have reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province, DRC. The outbreak has also reached Uganda, with two confirmed cases in individuals who traveled from the DRC.

The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, responsible for this outbreak, currently lacks approved vaccines or specific treatments. The WHO emphasizes the need for international coordination to monitor, prevent, and respond effectively to the outbreak, given the potential for further regional and cross-border spread.

In response, the United Nations has allocated $60 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to accelerate efforts in the DRC and surrounding regions. The United States has pledged $23 million to support response activities in the DRC and Uganda, including the establishment of up to 50 Ebola treatment clinics in affected areas.

The WHO continues to support the coordination of the response, case management, and cross-border preparedness, urging countries to activate emergency management mechanisms and collaborate with local community leaders to track cases and raise awareness about the risks associated with the outbreak.