WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths. The WHO clarified the outbreak does not meet pandemic criteria and advised against closing international borders.

See all DONs related to this event Read more about Ebola disease Situation at a glance On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Ebola Disease following the confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in both countries. On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General determined that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR. On 19 May 2026, the Director-General of WHO convened the first meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee, and temporary recommendations were issued to State Parties.

Aid cuts left DRC blind to Ebola – Oxfam is mounting a response Nesrine Aly Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:51 On Reacting to the World Health Organization’s declaration of the Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) — with over 400 suspected cases and 89 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo — Dr. Manenji Mangudu, Oxfam Country Director in the DRC, said:   “Our partners are sending us deeply alarming reports. One doctor in Mongwalu Health Zone, Ituri told us: ‘There are already deaths in the community.

The Committee’s advice aligned with the determination by the WHO Director-General that the event constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but does not meet the criteria for pandemic emergency. The DG, considering the advice of the Committee, he is hereby issuing the following temporary recommendations to all States Parties.