WHO Chief Calls Congo Ebola Outbreak ‘Very Complex’ As Cases Rise

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has described the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as ‘very complex’, citing conflict, insecurity, displacement and food shortages as major obstacles in efforts to contain the disease.

Speaking to reporters after arriving in Kinshasa on Thursday, Tedros said he had travelled to the country to show affected communities that they were not alone and that the WHO remained committed to supporting response efforts on the ground. He said WHO teams were already working in Bunia, the capital of the eastern Ituri province, one of the regions most affected by the outbreak.

Tedros also announced plans to visit the area to assess the situation directly.

According to the WHO chief, continuing violence and insecurity in eastern Congo remain among the biggest challenges for health workers and emergency teams attempting to control the spread of the virus. He renewed his appeal for a ceasefire in areas affected by armed conflict, saying peace was essential for effective humanitarian and medical operations.

Tedros also commented on travel restrictions imposed by several countries on travellers from the DRC. He said the WHO does not recommend travel bans, explaining that such measures only delay transmission for a short period and may discourage countries from reporting outbreaks transparently.

Instead, Tedros stressed that strengthening response measures at the source of the outbreak and increasing international support were the most effective ways to contain the disease.

More than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and 238 deaths have been reported in the DRC’s latest outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain.

The WHO and Africa CDC have declared public health emergencies as the disease continues to spread.

Also Read: Australia Extends Quarantine After Fresh Hantavirus Cases Linked To Cruise Ship