WHO Chief Urges Nations To Reconsider Travel Bans Over Ebola Outbreak

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on countries that imposed travel bans or border closures in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda to reconsider their decisions.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province and the epicentre of the outbreak, Tedros warned that travel restrictions could make response efforts more difficult and discourage the transparency and trust needed to contain the disease effectively. He stressed that cooperation between countries and communities remains essential in tackling the outbreak.

According to Tedros, restrictive measures may hinder public health efforts and create obstacles for health workers responding to the crisis.

The WHO chief also sought to reassure the public, stating that patients can recover from Ebola if they receive timely, high-quality medical care, despite the lack of approved vaccines and specific treatments for the current outbreak.

Tedros said his visit to Bunia aimed to engage directly with affected communities, where authorities have reported more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to prevent further transmission.

Uganda has reported nine confirmed Ebola cases after detecting two new infections in Kampala.

DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba said authorities hope to contain the outbreak within four to six months while preventing its spread beyond Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. He added that laboratories have tested around 900 samples, with about 260 returning positive results, and currently have no testing backlog.

Authorities continue to strengthen surveillance, testing and community outreach efforts.

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