WHO reports improved Ebola tracing in DRC but outbreak still outpaces response

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are now tracking a larger proportion of people exposed to Ebola, yet the epidemic in the country’s volatile eastern provinces remains ahead of their capacity to locate and isolate new cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned today. The agency noted that while contact tracing efforts have improved, the sheer volume of suspected infections and the difficulty of accessing remote communities continue to strain the national response.

The WHO’s latest assessment highlights that the DRC’s eastern region, which has been a hotspot for repeated Ebola outbreaks, still experiences rapid transmission cycles. Limited laboratory capacity, shortages of personal protective equipment, and logistical challenges in reaching isolated villages hamper timely diagnosis and isolation of patients. The organization urged additional international support to expand testing sites, enhance community engagement, and strengthen surveillance systems to curb further spread.

In light of these developments, the WHO called for a coordinated effort to increase resources for contact tracing teams and to accelerate vaccination campaigns in high‑risk areas. The agency emphasized that sustaining momentum in the fight against Ebola will require sustained funding, improved infrastructure, and community trust to ensure that exposed individuals are identified and treated before the virus can spread further.