The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed their strong partnership and shared commitment to protect the health and well-being of the people of Ituri and the country as a whole, following a joint mission to Bunia led by Minister of Health Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Communications and Media Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, and a visit by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The high-level visit comes at a difficult time as the country is dealing with the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The Ministry of Health reports that the situation is rapidly evolving, with infections and deaths reported in several health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The Government, with support from WHO and partners, is ramping up surveillance, laboratory testing and patient care to stop the spread as quickly as possible.
The DRC Government is working closely with the provincial authorities of Ituri and neighboring states to decisively lead a comprehensive national response. WHO, together with the wider United Nations system and health and humanitarian partners, is committed to supporting these efforts. DRC authorities, WHO and partners are working together to strengthen coordination and mobilize additional resources to ensure that life-saving interventions reach affected areas quickly and equitably.
Central to this response is the recognition that communities are at the heart of the solution. Success depends on the trust, involvement and leadership of local communities. National and local authorities, with support from WHO and partners, are increasing dialogue with community leaders, women’s organizations, youth representatives, religious leaders and the private sector to better understand local concerns and co-develop culturally appropriate and effective solutions.
Although the Bundibugyo strain poses additional challenges, including the lack of a licensed vaccine or specific treatment, proven public health measures remain effective in slowing transmission and providing the potential for full recovery. The Ministry of Health, WHO, and partners are working to quickly start randomized controlled trials of candidate vaccines and treatments.
Persistent challenges include early detection and isolation of infected persons, contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, thorough infection prevention and control in health facilities, and strong community awareness. Governments and WHO urge all communities to continue practicing protective behaviors such as regular hand hygiene, seeking early treatment at health facilities and sharing accurate information.
DRC brings unparalleled experience to this response, having successfully contained multiple Ebola outbreaks to date. This experience, combined with strong political leadership at the highest national levels and renewed international solidarity, provides a solid foundation for controlling the current epidemic.
Both sides emphasize the need to maintain primary health care and essential services in response to outbreaks and strengthen long-term health system resilience. The investments made today in laboratories, health workers, surveillance systems and essential services will leave a legacy for the Ituri people and the entire Democratic Republic of Congo.
We sincerely thank our international partners for the support already provided to response efforts and encourage continued solidarity to control this outbreak. We also need cooperation among nations to keep borders open and to ensure immigration controls do not impede the flow of desperately needed medical supplies and personnel.
DRC authorities, WHO, Africa CDC and partners are working together to strengthen collaboration and mobilize additional resources to ensure that life-saving interventions reach affected communities quickly and equitably.
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world health organization
