WHO Director-General Visits DR Congo as Ebola Cases Rise

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an immediate and substantial increase in response efforts to the latest Ebola outbreak, citing a sharp rise in new cases. Health officials report that in several hotspots the number of infections has doubled over the past week, prompting the WHO Director‑General to urge governments, health agencies and international partners to intensify surveillance, contact tracing and community outreach.

The outbreak, which began in late 2025 in the border region between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, has already claimed more than 120 lives and strained local health systems. WHO is coordinating a multi‑agency task force that includes the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Key measures under consideration include expanding vaccine deployment, scaling up laboratory testing capacity, and strengthening protective equipment supplies for frontline workers.

In response to the escalating situation, the WHO has requested additional funding and logistical support from member states and private donors. The organization stresses that a coordinated, well‑resourced strategy is essential to contain the virus and prevent further spread, while also highlighting the importance of community engagement and transparent communication to mitigate fear and misinformation.