GENEVA — The head of the World Health Organization said Friday he was travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo to lead international efforts against a renewed Ebola outbreak that has already killed at least 17 people and raised alarm across the region.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the trip in a message posted on X, confirming that Ebola had resurfaced in Congo and pledging increased support for health authorities and frontline medical workers battling the disease.
“Ebola is back,” Tedros said. “We will stand with our WHO teams, partners and tireless health workers. I want to be with you during this difficult moment, and I want you to know that you are not alone.”
The WHO chief said the eastern province of Ituri was the hardest-hit area, while praising Congolese authorities for leading containment efforts aimed at preventing the virus from spreading further.
According to figures released by Congo’s health ministry, authorities have recorded 1,077 suspected Ebola cases, including 121 confirmed infections and 17 deaths since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15.
Tedros expressed confidence that Congo would once again overcome the deadly virus, noting that the country had previously defeated Ebola outbreaks 16 times.
“Sixteen times before, Congo defeated Ebola, and it will defeat it again,” he said. “But it is essential that we act now and act together.”
In an effort to curb transmission, authorities in Ituri have suspended public gatherings, including sporting events and community meetings.
The outbreak has also begun affecting neighbouring countries. Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases and one death, prompting officials to tighten border controls and reinforce health screening measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
International health agencies are now intensifying emergency operations in an attempt to contain the outbreak before it develops into a wider regional health crisis.
