Joint statement by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the WHO regarding the outbreak of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirm their strong partnership and joint commitment to protect the health and well-being of the people of Ituri Province and the nation as a whole, following a joint mission to Bunia led by Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Health, Mr. Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communications and Media, and a visit by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

This high-level visit comes at a challenging time as the country responds to the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The Ministry of Health reports a rapid development of the situation, with reported cases and deaths in several health zones of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. The government, with support from WHO and partners, is intensifying surveillance, laboratory testing and patient care to stop transmission as soon as possible

The DRC government is firmly leading the comprehensive national response, working closely with provincial authorities in Itura and neighboring provinces. WHO, along with the wider United Nations system and health and humanitarian partners, is fully committed to supporting these efforts. Together, the DRC authorities, WHO and partners are working to strengthen coordination, mobilize additional resources and ensure that life-saving interventions reach affected communities quickly and equitably

Central to this response is the recognition that communities are at the heart of solutions. Success will depend on the trust, engagement and leadership of local communities. National and provincial governments, supported by WHO and partners, are intensifying dialogue with community leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, religious leaders and the private sector to better understand local problems and jointly develop solutions that are culturally appropriate and effective.

While the Bundibugyo strain presents additional challenges, including the absence of a licensed vaccine or specific treatment, proven public health measures remain effective in slowing transmission and potential full recovery. The Ministry of Health, WHO and partners are working to rapidly conduct randomized control trials of candidate vaccines and treatments.

Ongoing challenges include early case detection and isolation, contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, strong infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities, and strong community awareness. The government and WHO urge all communities to continue to adopt protective behaviours, including regular hand hygiene, seeking care early in health facilities and sharing accurate information.

DRC brings unparalleled experience to this response, having successfully contained multiple previous Ebola outbreaks. This experience, combined with strong political leadership at the highest national level and renewed international solidarity, provides a solid foundation for bringing the current epidemic under control.

Both sides emphasize that the response to the epidemic must maintain primary health care and basic services and strengthen the long-term resilience of the health system. Today’s investments in laboratories, health workers, surveillance systems and basic services will leave a legacy for the people of Ituri and the DRC as a whole.

We sincerely thank our international partners for the support already provided to response operations and encourage continued solidarity to bring this epidemic under control. Cooperation between countries must also ensure that borders remain open and that entry controls do not impede the flow of desperately needed medical supplies and personnel.

Together, the DRC authorities, WHO, African CDC and partners are working to strengthen coordination, mobilize additional resources and ensure that life-saving interventions reach affected communities quickly and equitably.