WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on his way to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday, vowed to do “everything in my power” to end the Ebola outbreak, assuring people “you are not alone” and “together we will overcome this.”
WHO figures up to May 24 recorded 10 confirmed and 223 suspected deaths from over 1,000 suspected and confirmed cases since the May 15 declaration. Later updates cited 105 confirmed cases, 10 confirmed deaths and over 900 suspected cases, with Uganda reporting seven cases and one death.
The outbreak, mainly in Ituri province with over 90% of cases, may be more widespread.
Tedros urged armed groups to declare a ceasefire, saying conflict and displacement are hampering Ebola containment. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain with no treatment, though early care can prevent spread.
UN agencies are supporting the DRC and Uganda in response. He stressed coordination with government and partners and repeated that no one is working alone in the effort to stop the outbreak.
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was discovered in 1976. The largest outbreak (2018–2020) spread across North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri amid armed conflict, displacement, disrupted supplies, mistrust and threats to health workers.
Tedros recalled visiting North Kivu 14 times during that crisis, where trust gradually improved. He noted current burdens in Ituri include malaria, hunger and insecurity alongside Ebola.
He urged youth to fight fear and silence, while promoting early care and dignified burials.
