Ebola contact tracing 'nearly impossible' due to continuing clashes in DRC, WHO chief says | The National

HeadphonesListen to articleUganda Red Cross Society workers in protective gear are sprayed with disinfectant during the evacuation of the body of a suspected Ebola victim in Kampala on May 26. AFPUganda Red Cross Society workers in protective gear are sprayed with disinfectant during the evacuation of the body of a suspected Ebola victim in Kampala on May 26. AFPEastern Congo now faces a 'catastrophic collision of disease and conflict', Dr Tedros said in a post on XThe NationalMay 27, 2026HeadphonesBookmark

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC to contain the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.

Conflict-driven displacement and attacks on health facilities are undermining contact tracing and making Ebola containment nearly impossible, the health leader warns.

The Bundibugyo strain lacks approved treatments or a vaccine, compounding risks as suspected cases and deaths surge across eastern Congo.

As of May 25, authorities recorded 101 confirmed infections, 930 suspected cases and 221 suspected deaths in the DRC.