Uganda tightens border with DR Congo as Ebola outbreak worsens
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is severely undermining efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak in Ituri province.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as a “catastrophic collision of disease and conflict,” saying medical teams cannot effectively respond while fighting, displacement, and insecurity continue. He called for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian access.
The outbreak has already caused around 220 suspected deaths, with only 17 confirmed through laboratory tests. About 1,000 people are currently showing symptoms, and health workers are struggling to trace 3,600 contacts due to instability and poor infrastructure.
Uganda has temporarily closed its border with DR Congo, allowing only essential movement such as medical, humanitarian, and food transport. Several other countries, including Canada, the US, and the Bahamas, have introduced travel restrictions due to fears of spread.
The Ebola strain involved is the rare Bundibugyo type, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments, although experimental therapies may be introduced.
Aid agencies like MSF say insecurity, poor roads, and limited testing capacity are making the outbreak difficult to control, with experts warning the virus is still spreading faster than containment efforts.
