DR Congo Deploys Ministers as Ebola Cases Near 1,000 Amid Growing Outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo has sent ministers to Bunia to coordinate response efforts to a worsening Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, where suspected cases are nearing 1,000 and over 200 deaths are feared. The World Health Organization says the outbreak can still be contained, but has warned that ongoing conflict is hindering response efforts. Uganda has closed its border with the DRC to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health and communications ministers have arrived in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, to oversee and coordinate the government’s response to the worsening Ebola outbreak in the region.
Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said his visit to the outbreak’s epicentre was aimed at closely monitoring the situation on the ground and providing direct support to medical teams working under extreme pressure. He acknowledged the severe strain on healthcare workers, many of whom have been affected by the outbreak themselves.
“I am here, above all, to support the healthcare staff, who are bearing the brunt of the situation in healthcare centres because we have lost doctors and qualified healthcare staff. We are here, first and foremost, to show our sympathy,” he said, emphasizing both solidarity and urgent intervention.
Health authorities report that the outbreak continues to spread rapidly in eastern Congo. The number of suspected cases is now approaching 1,000, with at least 220 suspected deaths recorded. According to the country’s health ministry, 101 cases have been officially confirmed so far, while more than 3,000 contacts are currently being traced and monitored in an effort to contain further transmission.
The situation has drawn international concern, with World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expected to visit Ituri province on Friday as part of a high-level assessment mission. After arriving in Kinshasa, he expressed confidence that the outbreak could still be contained if urgent measures are taken.
He pledged full support to response efforts, saying he would do “everything in [his] power to help,” and stressed that coordinated action could bring the outbreak under control. “That thing can be stopped. Together we can overcome this outbreak,” he said.
Tedros also appealed to armed groups operating in eastern Congo to agree to a ceasefire, warning that ongoing conflict is severely complicating public health efforts. He noted that displacement, insecurity, and restricted access to affected areas are making it more difficult to track infections, deliver treatment, and carry out vaccinations.
“Conflict and displacement make everything harder,” he said. “No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease.”
The outbreak has already triggered regional concern, with some neighbouring countries introducing emergency measures. Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in response to the rising number of suspected cases and confirmed infections, aiming to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
Health officials continue to warn that without rapid containment, surveillance, and cooperation across borders, the outbreak could spread further in a region already facing significant humanitarian and security challenges.