Ebola Virus Disease control efforts in Democratic Republic of the Congo are being severely hampered by ongoing conflict in Ituri Province, the World Health Organization has warned.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the region is facing what he described as a “catastrophic collision of disease and insecurity,” which is making it increasingly difficult to build community trust, isolate patients, and contain transmission.
He noted that the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts can manage, with about 220 suspected deaths reported since it began.
Humanitarian workers are facing major operational challenges, including poor road networks, active armed conflict, mass displacement of populations, and reduced international support.
Tedros, who is expected to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasized that bringing the outbreak under control will depend on safe and sustained humanitarian access to affected areas.
By Newsroom
27th May 2026
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