Statement by Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa
Today marks two months since the WHO Director-General declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
My thoughts are with the families and communities living through fear, loss and uncertainty. I pay tribute to the health workers and responders who continue to serve courageously under extraordinarily difficult conditions.
The outbreak is accelerating. As of 16 July, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had reported 2,073 cases and 796 deaths, making this the third-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. In just two weeks, confirmed cases increased by 50% and deaths by 91%.
The outbreak has expanded from 35 to 42 health zones and from three to five provinces.
Uganda has not reported a new case since 21 June—a testament to strong response efforts. But vigilance remains essential.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and partners, has expanded treatment capacity to more than 800 beds, increased laboratory capacity from one laboratory to 16, trained over 21,000 community workers, and supported the recovery of 377 people. Surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, safe and dignified burials, community engagement, border health measures and preparedness activities continue at scale.
Science is advancing. Clinical trials are underway for potential treatments, while the first vaccine candidate against the Bundibugyo virus has entered Phase I safety testing. Another study is evaluating whether an antiviral medicine can protect people exposed to the virus before they become ill.
These developments offer hope. But hope alone will not stop this outbreak.
The response is still not moving fast enough to outrun transmission. Treatment facilities in some of the hardest-hit areas are operating at or near capacity. More than 80% of new cases are being identified outside known contact lists, meaning transmission chains are still being missed. Around two-thirds of deaths occur in communities, among people who never reach a health facility.
The message is clear: we must find cases faster, trace contacts more effectively, strengthen infection prevention and control, protect health workers, expand treatment capacity and deepen community engagement. Every missed case gives the virus another opportunity to spread.
To communities affected by Ebola, my appeal is simple: if you or someone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Early diagnosis and safe care save lives and help protect families and neighbours.
I also call on governments, donors and partners to act with urgency. The joint WHO–Africa CDC Continental Preparedness and Response Plan still faces a funding gap of more than US$400 million. Frontline teams need resources now—trained personnel, protective equipment, medicines, laboratory supplies, transport and sustained operational support. Assistance must be coordinated, flexible and delivered rapidly where it is needed most.
History has shown that Ebola can be stopped when communities, governments and partners act together with determination and speed.
We have the expertise. We have the experience. We have reasons for hope.
What we need now is greater urgency.
The virus will not wait. Neither can we.