rki.news | Sources Xinhua

KINSHASA, May 31 — World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for stronger community trust, international solidarity, and open borders as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) works to contain an Ebola outbreak in its eastern region.
Speaking in Bunia, the epicenter in Ituri Province, Tedros said the WHO’s role is to support and listen rather than impose solutions, stressing communities remain central to outbreak control. “We are not here to tell people what to do. We are here to listen,” he said, adding trust is essential for response.
The outbreak, declared on May 15, is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976. Health authorities have reported over 1,000 suspected cases and more than 230 deaths, mainly in Ituri, with smaller numbers in North Kivu and South Kivu. Uganda has also confirmed infections.
Tedros warned that travel restrictions and border closures could slow response efforts, reduce transparency, and delay reporting. He said coordination among governments, health agencies, and communities is key to stopping transmission.
DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba said authorities aim to contain the outbreak within the three provinces, citing improved laboratory capacity and faster testing.
Tedros said the DRC’s past experience with Ebola offers hope for control, though the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which no licensed vaccine or treatment exists.
He emphasized public health measures including hygiene, contact tracing, safe burials, and accurate information, while warning against misinformation.
“Solidarity is our best immunity,” Tedros said, reaffirming WHO support for the DRC.