‘You are not alone’: WHO chief vows to support Congo in dealing with Ebola outbreak

Speaking in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province and the epicenter of the outbreak, Tedros said local communities must remain at the center of the response to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Ebolafor which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.

“We’re not here to tell people what to do. We’re here to listen,” he said said at a press conference. “Communities understand their own challenges and their own solutions. Our role is to support you in implementing the solution together.”

This epidemic continues to grow rapidly.

As of May 27, there had been 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths reported in Congo. In Congo and Uganda, there are 134 confirmed cases and 18 confirmed deaths recorded as of May 29. Additionally, an American citizen who once treated patients in Congo is currently receiving treatment in Germany.

Build trust

Tedros used his visit to meet with government officials, community leaders, humanitarian agencies and health partners, stressing that public trust and community participation are critical to ending the infection.

“Community ownership is what will end this epidemic,he said.

He expressed his hope to engage with women’s groups, religious leaders, business representatives and young people during his visit, and described building trust as a process that “starts with listening.”

The UN health agency is increasingly focused on working through community networks, including local leaders, radio stations and social media influencers, to combat misinformation and encourage early detection and treatment.

Timely medical care is essential

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a relatively rare strain of Ebola that was first identified in Uganda in 2007.

Although there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment, Tedros emphasized that survival is possible with timely medical treatment.

“Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus is survivable with good medical care, and several people in Ituri have recovered,” he said. “Seeking treatment early makes a real difference.”

WHO and its partners are also conducting clinical trials aimed at developing a vaccine and treatment for the strain.

Protect critical services

Meanwhile, response efforts continue to evolve.

WHO has sent more than 2,000 diagnostic test kits and help strengthen inspection capacity at major transport hubs. The agency is also improving water systems at Ebola treatment centers to support infection prevention and control.

There are also deep concerns that the outbreak risks disrupting wider health services in affected areas.

United Nations reproductive health agency, UNFPAsaid health facilities are increasingly directing personnel, supplies, and infrastructure into Ebola response activities, thereby reducing access to services such as emergency cesarean sections, neonatal care, contraception, and postnatal support.

To help maintain these services, UNFPA deployed midwives, reproductive health equipment and medical equipment while supporting a regional response plan involving Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

‘We are here, with you’

Tedros said the response must go beyond the current outbreak, and emphasized this to WHO

“As we fight this outbreak alongside you, we are committed to ensuring that essential health services and other humanitarian assistance continue to be provided to communities across Ituri and beyond,” he said.

He also expressed his confidence that this outbreak could be overcome.

“The DRC has faced Ebola before, sixteen times, and has ended every outbreak,” he said. “This is the seventeenth. That history gives me real confidence.”

Closing his remarks, Tedros tried to reassure the affected communities.

“You are not alone in this,he said.We’re here, we’re with you, and we’ll get it done together.”