The World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Region has cautioned against panic following the declaration of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
“Fear by itself is an outbreak,” and “Ebola is highly manageable,” the organisation stated.
Prof. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa and a cardiologist, urged the public to rely on accurate information while reacting to the outbreak.
He explained that the PHEIC declaration would help draw international attention to the Ebola situation, mobilise resources quickly, and ensure coordinated global response.
“Ebola disease is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates. But it does not mean people should panic. It means the global system is working as it should — detecting and responding decisively,” he said.
Janabi emphasised that while Ebola is a serious disease, it is one that health authorities know how to control.
“At the moment, we have confirmed cases in two countries: DRC and Uganda. Health authorities, with WHO support, have already identified cases, traced contacts, and put in place response strategies,” he added.
The WHO Regional Director said the organisation was working closely with national authorities and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on contact tracing, treatment, community engagement, and cross-border surveillance to prevent further spread.
“We are mobilising partners across Africa to provide the needed experience and expertise. We are applying lessons from past outbreaks to contain this one,” he said.
Janabi noted that while vaccines are important, they are not the only tool. Heightened surveillance, contact tracing, and proper case management remain critical.
As of Saturday, May 16, health authorities had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province, eastern DRC.
Unconfirmed reports on Sunday indicated a positive case in the rebel-held city of Goma, North Kivu Province. Other confirmed cases were reported in Beni, Kinshasa, and across the border in Uganda, including in Kampala.
The WHO is supporting the government-led response with 42 health professionals on the ground and essential supplies already deployed.
The agency warned that the outbreak is likely larger than currently detected, citing clusters of unexplained deaths, high positivity rates, and challenges with infection prevention, including the deaths of at least four healthcare workers.
WHO noted that there is currently no approved vaccine or therapy for the Bundibugyo virus strain responsible for this outbreak. It added that insecurity, high population mobility, and informal healthcare facilities increase the risk of spread.
Meanwhile, experts have warned that the risk of another global pandemic continues to rise.
“The world is not safer from pandemics,” said experts from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) in a new report.
