WHO chief says Democratic Republic of Congo facing ‘catastrophic collision’ of Ebola and war
The WHO chief has warned that the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a severe crisis due to the intersection of an Ebola outbreak and ongoing conflict. He highlighted that the situation in Ituri province is worsening, with a significant number of suspected Ebola cases and deaths reported. The WHO is calling for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian access and combat the outbreak effectively.
- ▪The WHO has recorded 10 confirmed Ebola deaths and 220 suspected deaths since mid-May.
- ▪The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently spreading in DRC has no approved vaccine or treatment.
- ▪Insecurity in eastern DRC is severely hindering efforts to control the Ebola outbreak.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
WHO chief says Democratic Republic of Congo facing ‘catastrophic collision’ of Ebola and warSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA healthcare worker takes a visitor's temperature at Rwampara Hospital in Ituri, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on May 26.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 27, 2026, 06:40 PMUpdated May 27, 2026, 06:40 PMGENEVA - The World Health Organization chief warned on May 27 that conflict raging in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was dramatically complicating efforts to rein in a deadly Ebola outbreak and urged an immediate ceasefire.“Eastern DRC now faces a catastrophic collision of disease and conflict with the Ebola outbreak in Ituri province outpacing the response,” Mr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X.The WHO has recorded 10…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.