The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda is spreading faster than current response efforts, raising fears of a wider regional health emergency.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said neighbouring countries face a high risk of transmission and urged governments to take immediate preventive measures to contain the deadly virus.
According to WHO data, the outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has already resulted in hundreds of suspected cases and more than 200 suspected deaths across affected regions.
Health authorities confirmed that cases initially concentrated in eastern Congo have now spread into Uganda through cross-border movement, with Uganda recently recording additional confirmed infections, including health workers.
The WHO earlier declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the rapid spread of infections, high population mobility, insecurity in affected areas, and the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain.
Tedros warned that delayed detection of cases and weak healthcare infrastructure are making containment increasingly difficult. He also noted that attacks on health facilities and insecurity in parts of Congo are disrupting response operations.
The WHO and partner agencies have deployed emergency supplies, medical teams, and surveillance operations to affected communities, while neighbouring countries have been advised to strengthen border screening, laboratory testing, and contact tracing systems.
UNICEF also expressed concern about the growing risk to children and vulnerable populations, warning that the outbreak could severely affect communities already facing humanitarian crises and displacement.
Meanwhile, health experts have raised concerns that shortages of diagnostic kits, funding gaps, and reduced international aid may weaken efforts to contain the outbreak quickly.
WHO officials stressed that urgent international coordination and stronger public health measures are needed to prevent the epidemic from escalating further across Central and East Africa.
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