WHO Launches $518 Million Regional Plan for Ebola Outbreak in DRC

Congo. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a comprehensive regional plan of 518 million US dollars to strengthen Ebola outbreak control and preparedness capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The plan has been prepared to be implemented from June 2026 to November.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus clarified that Ebola control depends not only on medical response but also on political commitment, sustainable financing, and active community participation. According to him, this plan, prepared by Africa CDC and WHO in collaboration with partner organizations, focuses on epidemic prevention, early detection, and treatment capacity.

In a message released on social media platform X, he highlighted the need to build trust with local communities, mobilize frontline health workers, and strengthen infection prevention measures for Ebola control. He also mentioned that the death rate can be reduced if infected individuals are brought for treatment in a timely manner.

Tedros also informed about a detailed discussion held recently with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi regarding the Ebola outbreak seen in the Bundibugyo region. Progress on expanding treatment services, increasing diagnostic capacity, and improving health infrastructure was reviewed in that discussion.

According to him, some patients have already returned home after treatment, which indicates that early treatment is effective. He emphasized the need to continue other health and humanitarian services along with epidemic control.

The WHO chief urged the international community to provide coordinated support, warning that unnecessary travel or trade restrictions could hinder relief and treatment efforts.

Ebola is a serious viral hemorrhagic fever. It can spread particularly from the Bundibugyo strain and is considered risky due to its high mortality rate. So far, there is no fully approved vaccine or specific treatment against this strain.