WHO Intensifies Ebola Response in DRC’s Ituri Province
The World Health Organization (WHO) is ramping up its efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in northeastern Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The organization is collaborating closely with the DRC government to address this emergency public health situation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the UN health agency revealed that it has dispatched over 35 experts and first responders from both WHO and the Ministry of Health to the affected region. This swift response aims to implement and enhance crucial measures required to control and ultimately halt the spread of the virus.
After the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, 2026, WHO quickly mobilized resources, delivering 11.5 tons of essential medical supplies and equipment within just 72 hours. These supplies were flown in from the Regional Operations Management (ROM) facility in Kinshasa, as well as emergency hubs located in Dakar and Nairobi.
As the response gains momentum, additional teams are being sent to strengthen important measures, including disease surveillance for early detection, clinical care, and infectious disease prevention and control. Engaging local communities is vital to ensure compliance with public health guidelines.
To enhance the response, cooperation with partner organizations and the private sector has been identified as crucial for ensuring the timely delivery of emergency supplies. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has been instrumental in providing necessary airlift support, facilitating the transport of supplies from Nairobi and improving ground access for operational efficiency.
“Their ability to provide airlift support will significantly bolster our logistics capacity and enable us to effectively respond to the needs of local communities,” stated Adama Thiam, WHO Regional Director of Emergency Operations and Logistics for Africa. The statement also highlighted that negotiations with Ethiopian Airlines allowed for the reprioritization of flights to ensure urgent deliveries, showcasing the partner’s commitment during this crisis.
The supplies being delivered include personal protective equipment, medical kits, tents, hygiene products, and sanitary supplies—all vital for preventing infections and managing patient care effectively. Additional shipments from Kinshasa are in transit and expected to arrive in Ituri soon, with the aim of strengthening response operations, saving lives, and protecting frontline health workers while working to end the outbreak.
This outbreak occurs within a deeply complex context marked by humanitarian challenges and security concerns, including high population mobility, cross-border trade activities, and the existence of large refugee communities. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has classified the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, as a public health emergency of international concern, emphasizing the need for global coordination and cooperation.
Notably, unlike other strains of the Ebola virus, there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available for Bundibugyo virus disease. As a response, WHO is intensifying research and development efforts to identify effective medical countermeasures. The organization’s strategies will largely rely on comprehensive public health measures, including supportive care, early case detection, strict infection prevention and control protocols, rigorous contact tracing, safe burial practices, and robust community engagement.
This marks the 17th recorded outbreak of the disease in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976. The previous outbreak, a case of Ebola hemorrhagic fever, concluded in December 2025.
