The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has made an urgent plea for a ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to enable health workers to respond effectively to the latest outbreak of Ebola.
Ceasefire Call Amidst Conflict
Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Tedros emphasised that ongoing hostilities in eastern DRC are hampering efforts to contain the deadly virus. He stressed that without a cessation of violence, healthcare teams cannot reach affected communities, risking a wider epidemic.
The DRC has been grappling with armed conflict for decades, particularly in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces, which are also the epicentres of the current Ebola outbreak. The WHO has reported multiple attacks on health facilities and workers, further complicating the response.
Ebola Outbreak Details
The latest Ebola outbreak was declared on April 23, 2026, in the city of Bunia, Ituri province. As of May 27, the WHO has recorded 47 cases, including 21 deaths. The virus, which causes severe haemorrhagic fever, has a high fatality rate, especially in areas with limited healthcare access.
Tedros noted that the WHO and its partners have deployed rapid response teams, but insecurity remains the biggest obstacle. “We cannot vaccinate, we cannot treat, we cannot educate if our teams are under fire,” he said.
International Response
The United Nations has also called for a humanitarian truce, while neighbouring countries have heightened surveillance at borders. The DRC government has not yet responded to Tedros’s ceasefire appeal, but has pledged to cooperate with international health efforts.
Tedros urged all parties to the conflict to lay down their arms, stating, “Ebola knows no borders, no politics. It is a common enemy that requires a united response.” He added that the WHO is ready to support any peace initiatives that allow for a safe humanitarian corridor.
