WHO: Democratic Republic of Congo faces catastrophic clash of disease and conflict

2026-05-27 13:07:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

WHO: Democratic Republic of Congo faces catastrophic clash of disease and

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as the Ebola outbreak spreads amid ongoing armed conflict in the east of the country.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that the situation represents a catastrophic collision of disease and conflict, stressing that the fighting is seriously hampering efforts to curb the epidemic.

According to health authorities, about 220 people are suspected of having died from Ebola, while only 17 cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests. About 1,000 people are showing symptoms of the virus and over 3,600 contacts of the infected are being traced by medical teams.

The outbreak has spread mainly to Ituri province, an area ravaged by years of armed group violence. The conflict has caused massive population displacement, damaged the health system and made it difficult to transport humanitarian aid and medical staff.

In a public statement, Tedros said the WHO cannot build community trust or isolate the sick while bombs are falling, calling for an immediate ceasefire to guarantee safe access for health teams.

The humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said the situation remains out of control and that a lack of testing is preventing a clear picture of the epidemic. According to the organization, poor infrastructure and insecurity on the ground are making it extremely difficult to respond to the crisis.

Meanwhile, several countries have imposed new travel restrictions to prevent the international spread of the virus. Canada has announced a temporary entry ban for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, while the United States has imposed restrictions on non-citizens who have traveled to these countries.

Experts warn that without increased international aid and a stabilization of the security situation, Ebola could continue to spread at an alarming rate./ CNA