UN agencies raise Ebola response in DR Congo

United Nations agencies have moved swiftly to contain the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, delivering emergency medical supplies, protective equipment, and logistics support.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric gave the update in New York on Thursday, May 21, 2026, while briefing journalists on the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda.

Dujarric said: “Our humanitarian and peacekeeping colleagues are continuing to support the government’s efforts regarding the fast-spreading outbreak of Ebola and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

“The province of Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak with the most affected areas in the towns of Rwampara, Mongbwalu and Bunia.

“These towns may not be familiar to you, but it’s important to note that they are densely populated.

“The peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) is providing critical logistical assistance to enable the rapid delivery of medical supplies and equipment to Bunia, where response efforts are being reinforced.”

The UN spokesperson said the mission also made available four light passenger vehicles to support surge team operations in Ituri.

He added that MONUSCO had positioned one helicopter to support flights to affected areas in Ituri as required.

Dujarric said two ambulances and two armoured vehicles were also en route from Goma to Bunia to support medical evacuation and outreach in areas with high security risks.

Dujarric said: “This material will be made available to our World Health Organisation (WHO) colleagues.

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“There are increasing concerns also over the spread of Ebola to the province of North Kivu, where cases have now been confirmed in Goma, Butembo, and Katwa.

“Our colleagues note that these are urban areas with a history of Ebola transmission.

“In North Kivu, partners are strengthening surveillance, introducing screening at points of entry and adapting operations, including remote coordination where it is needed.

“To strengthen the mobility of health teams engaged in contact tracing and rapid response, MONUSCO has also sent motorcycles from Goma and Beni, while additional ones are being serviced in Bunia for handover to WHO.”

DR Congo has battled Ebola 17 times since the virus was first discovered 50 years ago.

The latest outbreak was caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, and no vaccine or medicine currently exist to treat it.

To date, there have been 139 deaths and 600 suspected cases in DR Congo, while Uganda has confirmed two cases.

WHO declared that the outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern requiring countries to coordinate and cooperate on response, but not a pandemic emergency.