The heads of Africa CDC and the World Health Organization will travel to Bunia, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on July 18–19, 2026, in a joint effort to strengthen coordination and accelerate the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
A woman and a child photographed on July 4, 2026, in a displacement camp near Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak that was declared in the country on May 15.
The Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC),
Jean Kaseya, and the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will undertake a joint mission to the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) next week, as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
The visit, scheduled for July 18 and 19 in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, follows high-level discussions held in Geneva, Switzerland, where both leaders reviewed the evolving epidemiological situation in the DRC and neighbouring Uganda. The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a relatively rare variant that requires sustained surveillance and a coordinated public health response.
According to Jean Kaseya, the mission aims to engage directly with national authorities, frontline health workers, affected communities and response partners to reinforce ongoing interventions. By bringing together the continent’s leading public health institution and the United Nations’ specialized health agency, the visit is expected to strengthen operational coordination and mobilize additional support for response activities.
The Africa CDC chief stressed that the joint mission is designed to accelerate efforts to interrupt transmission chains while ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely care and protection. He noted that closer collaboration between governments, health professionals and international partners remains essential to preventing further spread of the virus.
Health experts continue to emphasize that containing Ebola outbreaks depends largely on rapid case detection and swift public health action. Speaking recently about the response, Kaseya underscored the need for faster diagnosis, more effective contact tracing, expanded treatment and isolation capacity, and stronger logistical support, including the supply of essential medical equipment and protective materials.
He also reiterated that protecting healthcare workers remains a top priority, given their critical role in managing outbreaks and their heightened risk of exposure. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of working closely with local communities to build trust, encourage early reporting of symptoms and promote adherence to public health measures.
“Our priority is clear: detect cases earlier, test faster, isolate safely, care for patients, protect health workers and work hand in hand with communities,” Kaseya said, adding that speed remains the most decisive factor in controlling Ebola outbreaks.
The joint visit by the heads of Africa CDC and WHO reflects growing international commitment to supporting countries facing infectious disease emergencies. As the DRC continues to battle the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, health authorities hope that reinforced coordination, increased technical assistance and sustained global solidarity will help curb transmission and save lives.
