Geneva – The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
However, the WHO said the outbreak, in which at least 80 people have died, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency, as defined in the IHR.
The WHO said as of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.
In addition, two laboratory-confirmed cases (including one death) with no apparent link to each other have been reported in Kampala, Uganda, within 24 hours of each other.
They were reported on 15 and 16 May 2026, among two individuals travelling from the DRC.
On 15 May 2026, Africa CDC alerted the continent and the global community to the growing risk of regional spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak originating from Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The affected area is characterised by high population mobility, insecurity, and intense cross-border connectivity with neighbouring countries, including Uganda.
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This alert underscored the urgent need for coordinated continental action to prevent further spread and safeguard regional and continental health security.
On the same day, the DRC and Uganda officially declared Ebola outbreaks in their respective countries.
“In line with the Africa CDC’s mandate, when an outbreak affects more than one Member State, the agency assumes responsibility for leading and coordinating the response at the regional and continental levels, bringing all partners together,” Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said in a statement released Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Reacting to the outbreak on Sunday, 17 May 2026, the WHO declared the Ebola disease a public health emergency of international concern.
Dr. Kaseya said in light of these developments, and in accordance with Article 12 of the Africa CDC Statute regarding the declaration of PHECS, he has consulted the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“I have also requested the Chair of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), Prof Salim Abdool Karim, to urgently convene the ECG in order to provide technical guidance and recommendations on the evolving risk situation and the potential need for a PHECS declaration,” said Dr. Kaseya.
“In addition, I am engaging, for further political guidance and continental solidarity, with H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, as well as H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.”
Commenting on the outbreak, President Ramaphosa said: “We stand in solidarity with the Governments and peoples of the DRC and Uganda, particularly affected communities and frontline health workers”.
He added: “I also commend neighbouring countries that have moved rapidly to strengthen preparedness, cross-border surveillance and emergency coordination.”
Dr. Kaseya said to ensure close coordination of the continental response to this outbreak affecting our continent, he has cancelled his engagements in Geneva during the World Health Assembly and will return to Africa tomorrow, Monday, 18 May 2026.
“I will be visiting the affected countries in the coming days to support national authorities, engage partners, and reinforce collective continental action,” Dr. Kaseya said.
“Africa CDC remains fully committed to working with member states and partners to protect lives, contain the outbreak, and strengthen Africa’s health security and preparedness architecture.”
