Nairobi, Kenya — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is addressing an escalating Ebola outbreak in the eastern region, a situation that has drawn the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO). Amidst this health crisis, the M23 rebel group has attempted to play down fears, despite the WHO’s recent visit to treatment centers and a public health laboratory in Goma.
The WHO team, which visited the Nyiragongo treatment center, noted that the facility has the capacity to process samples from over five provinces, operating around the clock. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka reported that 27 samples had been tested, all of which returned negative for Ebola.
However, this claim has been met with skepticism by health experts who caution that the virus may have been spreading undetected for weeks.
As of May 2026, the outbreak has led to 514 suspected cases and 136 deaths, according to the latest data.
The virus has been detected in Ituri province and has now reached Goma and neighboring Uganda, raising concerns about a potential regional epidemic.
The WHO director — general has expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of the virus, which has been detected in areas affected by conflict, complicating containment efforts.
The ongoing violence has hindered health teams’ability to access affected areas, thereby impeding the response to the epidemic.
In Goma, a city of over two million people under M23 control since January 2025, residents are increasingly worried about the outbreak’s impact on their daily lives. Many are calling on authorities to enhance protective measures. Local resident Innocent Bonane urged: “I am asking the authorities to help us find a way to put an end to this Ebola virus. “.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the country’s health system, which has been strained by years of conflict and underinvestment.
The situation underscores the critical need for a coordinated international response to address the crisis effectively.
As the WHO continues its efforts to contain the outbreak, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the epidemic.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
