The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have called on communities to sustain proven protective behaviours as authorities intensify efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.

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‎The appeal comes amid a rapidly evolving public health emergency that has recorded cases and deaths across several health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Health authorities say community participation remains critical to breaking chains of transmission and preventing further spread of the disease.

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‎According to a joint statement issued following a high-level mission to Bunia by DRC Health Minister Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the response is being strengthened through enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, patient care, and community engagement.

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‎WHO and the DRC Government emphasized that while the Bundibugyo strain presents unique challenges due to the absence of a licensed vaccine or specific treatment, established public health interventions continue to be effective in reducing transmission and improving recovery outcomes.

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‎The organizations urged residents to adopt key preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene, seeking medical care early at health facilities when symptoms appear, and sharing accurate, verified information within communities. Authorities also stressed the importance of early case detection, contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, and strict infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings.

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‎“Communities are at the heart of the solution,” the statement noted, underscoring the need for trust, local leadership, and active collaboration with community leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

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‎The DRC, which has successfully contained multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past, is leveraging its extensive experience alongside support from WHO, Africa CDC, the United Nations system, and other partners. Efforts are also underway to evaluate candidate vaccines and treatments through randomized controlled trials.

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‎Officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining essential health services while responding to the outbreak, noting that investments in laboratories, surveillance systems, healthcare workers, and primary healthcare infrastructure will strengthen long-term health security across the country.

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‎The Government of the DRC and WHO further appealed for sustained international solidarity and cooperation, emphasizing that border measures should facilitate—not hinder—the movement of critical medical supplies and health personnel needed for the response.

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‎Health authorities remain optimistic that strong political leadership, coordinated action, and community cooperation will help bring the outbreak under control and protect vulnerable populations across affected regions.

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