Ebola Outbreak Still High Risk, But Response Improving, WHO Reports

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are beginning to yield positive results, although the disease continues to pose a significant public health threat across parts of Central Africa.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing after returning from a visit to the DRC.

According to him, the outbreak has so far resulted in 344 confirmed infections and 60 deaths across 24 health zones located in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

Ghebreyesus said extensive consultations were held during his visit with political leaders, health officials, frontline workers, development partners, traditional rulers and community representatives involved in the response effort.

Despite the rising number of confirmed infections, the WHO chief said there are encouraging signs that health authorities are gradually gaining control of the outbreak.

He noted that suspected cases have dropped significantly, declining from more than 1,000 to 116 within a week as investigators clear backlogs and improve case verification processes.

The WHO chief also provided an update on the regional impact of the outbreak.

According to him, neighbouring Uganda has recorded one confirmed death and 15 cases linked to the epidemic, including a Congolese national who travelled through the United Arab Emirates before entering Uganda.

He further revealed that an American citizen infected while in the DRC is currently receiving medical treatment in Germany.

Ghebreyesus said the WHO’s overall risk assessment remains unchanged, describing the outbreak as high risk at both national and regional levels but low risk globally.

To strengthen response efforts, health authorities have expanded treatment infrastructure across affected areas.

“In Budibugyo, there are new treatment centres with a capacity of 80 beds, and there are treatment units in Mongalu, Raopara, Deni, Goma and Bukavu, with more facilities being established,” he said.

The WHO Director-General also highlighted a growing number of recoveries, noting that six patients have recovered in the DRC while two have recovered in Uganda.

He stressed that survival rates improve considerably when patients seek treatment early and receive timely medical care.

However, he cautioned that significant challenges remain, including surveillance gaps, mobility of affected populations and the need for sustained community engagement.

Health experts continue to monitor the outbreak closely amid fears that cross-border movements could increase the risk of wider regional transmission if containment measures are not maintained.