CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — A severe outbreak of an unidentified illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been identified as Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a species of the Ebola virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) was informed on May 5, 2026, of the situation in Mongbwalu Health Zone, Ituri Province, DRC.
As of May 16, 827 confirmed cases and 194 confirmed deaths have been reported across both nations, with Ituri remaining the epicentre and North Kivu experiencing daily increases in confirmed cases and a high case fatality ratio of 64%.
The WHO Director — General declared the disease a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026, emphasizing the risks to human health.
The Virtual High — Level Pledging Meeting (HLPM) for the BVD outbreak took place on June 16, 2026, led by President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, in an effort to mobilize resources and coordinate responses.
The HLPM called for urgent action, including the establishment of humanitarian access corridors, and noted the challenges posed by community transmission, population displacement, and a lack of specific vaccines or therapeutics.
The Governments of DRC and Uganda are supporting national response plans, and international organizations, including the African Union, WHO, and UN OCHA, are providing critical support.
The joint response and preparedness plan, endorsed by the HLPM, outlines an estimated USD 518 million envelope for the period of June to December 2026, aiming to address the crisis.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: Editor
