WHO chief arrives in Congo amid Ebola outbreak

The WHO head arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo to show support amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak. He told Congolese people they were not alone and said the UN would do everything possible to help. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment. Reported figures include suspected deaths and cases, with spread into neighboring Uganda. WHO health authorities believe the outbreak’s true scale is likely larger because the virus may have circulated undetected. Uganda shut its border despite WHO warnings that travel bans could backfire. The outbreak’s epicenter in eastern Congo is affected by long-running conflict and displacement, making response efforts harder. The WHO head appealed for a ceasefire.

"“I want you to know that you are not alone,” Tedros said in a message posted on X, addressing the Congolese people directly “Together, we will overcome this outbreak,” he said, adding that he and the UN would do “everything in my power to help you.”"

"The current Ebola outbreak is caused by a strain of the virus known as Bundibugyo. There is currently no vaccine or treatment. According to the WHO, the Ebola outbreak has caused a suspected 220 deaths and 900 cases, and has spread to neighboring Uganda, where there are seven suspected cases. Health authorities of the WHO believe the true scale of the outbreak is likely wider, as the virus is thought to have circulated under the radar for some time."

"The crisis in the Congo prompted Uganda to shut its border “with immediate effect,” despite warnings by the WHO that the move could backfire and cause the disease to spread. Tedros said he and the UN did not support travel bans to combat the outbreak because they “don’t help much.” Health authorities of the WHO believe the true scale of the outbreak is likely wider than reported so far"

"“Conflict and displacement make everything harder,” Tedros said. “I am making a direct appeal to all warring parties in this region: please, declare a ceasefire.” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged warring parties in eastern C"

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