Daijiworld Media Network - Geneva
Geneva, May 17: The World Health Organization (World Health Organization) on Sunday declared the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” citing rising risks of cross-border spread.
The outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which has raised concerns among global health authorities due to confirmed infections and suspected cases reported across multiple regions.
The WHO clarified that while the situation meets the criteria for a global health emergency, it does not currently qualify as a pandemic-level threat.
According to the agency, its Director-General made the determination after reviewing scientific data provided by health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, along with assessments of transmission risks, international spread, and potential disruption to global travel and trade.
The organization also acknowledged the efforts of both countries in responding to the outbreak and sharing information transparently with international health bodies.
Data cited from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that the outbreak has resulted in hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, primarily concentrated in the Ituri Province region, including areas such as Mongwalu and Rwampara.
Health authorities have reported around 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far, with additional infections confirmed through laboratory testing conducted by national biomedical institutes.
Experts have warned that the risk of further spread remains high due to population movement, mining activity, urban density, and limited security in affected regions, particularly near border areas with Uganda and South Sudan.
The Africa CDC has convened emergency coordination meetings with health officials from affected countries and international partners to strengthen surveillance, response measures, and cross-border containment strategies.
The WHO emphasized that continued coordination, early detection, and rapid response efforts will be critical in preventing further escalation of the outbreak across the region and beyond.