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On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

In response to the current outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with cases also reported in Uganda, WHO convened several of its expert and advisory groups. These groups assessed potential vaccines and therapeutics for both prevention and treatment of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD).

To the people of DRC, especially to the people of Ituri 

Jambo kwenu wakahaji wa Ituri 

Mbote na bino, bato ya Ituri 

My name is Tedros, and I am the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). But today, I am not writing to you as an official. I am writing to you as someone who knows your region, who has walked your streets, and who cares deeply about what happens to you and your families. 

I am writing because I want to be with you in these moments. And I want you to know that you are not alone. 

Ebola is not new to me personally. From 2018 to 2020, I came fourteen times to North Kivu, the epicentre of the outbreak at that time. Fourteen visits to Beni, Butembo, Katwa, Goma, and many other communities. During that outbreak, Ebola spread across North Kivu, South Kivu, and reached parts of Ituri as well. I was alongside families who had lost their loved ones. I met health workers risking their lives every day. I met community leaders, traditional healers, religious leaders and business leaders who refused to abandon their people. I saw men and women show extraordinary courage in the most difficult of circumstances. The people there, who saw me coming back again and again, wanted to give me a name that belonged to their community. They asked me whether I was the first, second, or third child of my parents. When I told them I was the firstborn, they gave me the name Dr Paluku. I carry that name with pride. It is not just a name. It is a bond. It is a reminder that this work is not about titles or institutions. It is about people. It is about you. 

That outbreak was one of the most complex in history. It did not unfold in a stable, peaceful environment. It happened in the middle of armed conflict, with communities displaced, supply routes disrupted, and health workers operating under constant threat. People were fleeing violence while also trying to protect themselves and their families from a deadly disease. I remember being in Beni on more than one occasion while fighting was taking place on the outskirts of the city. We could hear it. And yet the health workers around me did not stop. They kept working. That kind of courage is something I will never forget. The challenges of that time are not so different from what you are facing today in Ituri. I understand that. I have seen it with my own eyes. 

Mistrust ran deep, and the security situation cost us precious time. Our health workers were attacked. Clinics were targeted. People who were only trying to save lives found themselves caught in the middle of a conflict they did not start. Lives were lost that we might have saved, and that weighs on me still. But I also witnessed something remarkable. When we listened, when communities felt respected and heard, things began to change. Trust grew slowly, then more quickly. People came forward. And together, we managed to contain the outbreak. We did it. The people of DRC did it. I will never forget that. 

Ebola is now back. This time, the outbreak is hitting Ituri province the hardest. More than 90% of all cases have been reported in Ituri province, with a small number of cases also reported in North Kivu and South Kivu. I know how frightening that is, and I know that the people of Ituri are bearing a burden that is not easy to carry. 

I know that many of you are exhausted. You are already carrying so much: malaria, hunger, insecurity, and the daily struggle to keep your families safe. And now Ebola. It is not fair, and I will not pretend otherwise. 

But I also want to say something else about Ituri, because this province deserves to be seen for more than its hardships. Ituri is a place of remarkable energy. It is a province of vibrant commerce, of entrepreneurial spirit, of communities that have refused to be defined by the conflicts around them. The markets of Bunia buzz with life. Traders, farmers, teachers, and young people building their futures against all odds. That spirit, that refusal to give up, is exactly what we need now. It is the foundation on which we will build our response. We do not come to Ituri with only medicine and expertise. We come to join a community that already knows how to fight for its survival. 

I want to say a special word to the young people of Ituri. You are growing up in circumstances that no young person should have to face. And yet what I see, again and again, is not despair but determination. You are the future of this province and this country. In this outbreak, you have a vital role to play. Talk to your friends and your families. Share what you know about Ebola. Help break the fear and the silence that allow this virus to spread. Your voice carries further than you know, and we need it now more than ever. 

And to the health workers of Ituri, I want to say this: you are seen, and you are not alone. Every day you go to work knowing the risks, and you go anyway. You do it for your patients, for your communities, for your families. You are the backbone of this response. Without you, none of this is possible. I know the conditions are hard. I know the resources are often not enough. I know that fear and exhaustion are real. Please know that WHO stands with you, that we are working to get you the support you need, and that your courage and dedication are known and deeply valued far beyond the borders of this province. 

I also know that the security situation in parts of this region remains very difficult. Conflict and displacement make everything harder, including reaching people who need care and keeping health workers safe. I want to be honest: this is one of our greatest challenges. We cannot do this work if those who are trying to help are prevented from doing so or put in danger. We are working closely with all relevant partners to ensure that the response can reach every community that needs it, and that no one is left behind because of where they live or what is happening around them. 

That is why today I am making a direct appeal to all warring parties in this region: please, declare a ceasefire. Even briefly. Even just enough to let health workers through. People are dying from Ebola who do not have to die. Children are sick. Families are suffering. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease. A ceasefire, even a temporary one, would save lives. I urge you, I implore you: give us the space to help the people who need it most. 

I also know that there is anger and mistrust in some communities, and I understand why. Trust must be earned, it cannot be assumed. We have not always done things correctly. But I promise you, we are here to learn as much as we are here to help. 

I need to be honest with you about something important. Most previous Ebola outbreaks in DRC were caused by a virus called Ebola Zaire, for which we have vaccines and treatments. This outbreak is caused by a different virus called Ebola Bundibugyo. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for it. This is serious, and you deserve to hear that plainly. But I also want you to know this: while there are no specific treatments for Bundibugyo, there is much we can do together to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives. Early supportive care in our treatment centers can make a real difference. If you or someone you know falls ill, please do not wait. Coming forward early can make the difference between life and death. And everything we do, we will do with you. We will listen to you, we will share information with you, and we are here to help. And for those we cannot save, we will mourn with you. We will help you grieve your lost loved ones with safe and dignified burials. 

We are working under the leadership of the Government of DRC, together with all relevant partners, united around one goal: to stop this outbreak and protect your communities. No one is working alone. No one is working at cross purposes. We are coordinated, we are committed, and we are here. 

That is why I am coming to Bunia. I will be there in person, alongside my colleagues, meeting your leaders, listening to your concerns, and doing everything in my power to help you. I will not be managing this from a comfortable office far away. 

This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC. Together, you have overcome every single one before. That is not a small thing. That is a testament to the strength and resilience of your communities. I have seen that strength with my own eyes. 

My brothers and sisters of Ituri, I want you to know that the world is watching your courage. You are not forgotten. Together, we will overcome this outbreak, as you have overcome every challenge before. Your resilience is the light that guides us all. 

We will get through this one too. Not because of anyone, but because of you. 

Our teams are already on the ground, and they will stay for as long as necessary. And when this outbreak is over, we will not quietly disappear. We will not forget you. We will stay, and we will keep working with you to build health systems that protect every person in every community.

I look forward to seeing you in Bunia soon. Until then, please know that you are in my thoughts.

With respect and solidarity,

Paluku

Tedros

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Director-General, World Health Organization

 

With so many public health events developing and emerging, it is increasingly important to strengthen public health intelligence to ensure timely detection, assessment and response to potential public health threats.

As the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda develops rapidly, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is ratcheting up its support on the ground, while continuing to emphasise that the risk of infection to the general population in Europe remains very low.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) hosted the annual meeting of the European Respiratory Viruses Network (ERVI-Net) in Vienna, Austria, on 20–22 May 2026, which brought together nearly 80 representatives from EU/EEA and accession countries.

As rising global interconnection increases public health risks worldwide, ECDC, building on the success of its previous programme through European Health Task Force (EUHTF), will once again host the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) Outbreak Response Scenario Programme in Stockholm, Sweden, on 24-29 May.

Summary of discussions of 23 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

Summary of discussions of 22 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

The Committee’s advice aligned with the determination by the WHO Director-General that the event constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but does not meet the criteria for pandemic emergency. The DG, considering the advice of the Committee, he is hereby issuing the following temporary recommendations to all States Parties.

Summary of discussions of 21 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

Summary of discussions of 20 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly.

The risk to the general population in Europe from the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and also Uganda remains very low, ECDC said in a new assessment today, while stressing that EU/EEA countries should strengthen their preparedness as the situation continues to develop.

On 15 May 2026, Africa CDC reported an outbreak of Ebola disease in Ituri Province, DRC. Laboratory analysis at Institut National de Recherche Biomedicale of DRC identified Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). BDBV disease is a rare disease but can cause outbreaks with high case fatality rates. Considering the available information, complicated context and the uncertainties on the epidemiological information WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May 2026. Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on 18 May 2026.

ECDC was notified on 2 May 2026 of a cluster of severe respiratory illness on MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship with passengers and crew from 23 countries, including nine EU/EEA countries. The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus.

On 17 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

New data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that sexually transmitted infections reached record levels across Europe in 2024, driven by sharp rises in gonorrhoea and syphilis, and widening gaps in testing and prevention. Targeted action is urgently needed to prevent further spread, including among women of reproductive age.

Summary of discussions of 19 May at Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly

Since 2023, 14 countries have reported more than 2 300 infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri to ECDC. Seven genetically distinct MDR/XDR clusters, some with prolonged circulation and others more recent, have been reported.

Today, the World Health Assembly recognized individuals and institutions whose contributions to global health have gone far beyond the call of duty. Six laureates representing diverse backgrounds and contexts were honoured by the President of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly, Dr Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam of Dominican Republic, together with representatives of the foundations that have provided these prizes over the last 40 years, and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The 2026 prizes celebrate the remarkable dedication of the six awardees to advancing primary health care, reducing inequities and bringing the goal of health for all closer to reality. Selected by WHO’s Executive Board in February 2026, the 2026 laureates reflect a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through scientific excellence, innovation and community outreach. Their work ranges from strengthening primary health care systems and advancing disease control to empowering communities and expanding access to essential services for the most vulnerable populations.

This year marks 20 years since the passing of Dr LEE Jong-wook, WHO’s sixth Director-General, who passed away unexpectedly during the World Health Assembly in 2006. One of the prizes awarded today, the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health, honours his legacy and enduring contribution to global health.

Winners of the 2026 public health prizesSasakawa Health Prize

• The Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA), Mali
  Recognized for its pioneering role in strengthening community-based primary health care and empowering underserved populations through locally driven health services.

United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize

• Dr Worawit Tontiwattanasap, Thailand
  Recognized for transforming access to health services for rural, stateless and cross-border populations through outreach services, training and policy advocacy.

State of Kuwait Health Promotion Foundation’s His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for the Promotion of Healthy Ageing

• Professor Bruno Vellas, France
  Recognized for advancing and developing innovative, community-based approaches to care for older people.
• SingHealth, Singapore
  Recognized for its integrated, cross-sectoral and community-centred strategies supporting healthy ageing and age-friendly environments.

Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health

• Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz, Bangladesh
  Recognized for his lifelong contribution to public health, particularly in addressing diseases affecting rural, poor and marginalized populations.

Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

• Dr Amr Mohamed Kandeel, Egypt
  Recognized for his leadership in building a resilient, prevention-oriented public health system integrating disease control, digital innovation and equity.

 

About WHO public health prizes and awards

Every year, during the World Health Assembly, public health prizes and awards are presented to individuals and institutions from around the world for their outstanding contributions to public health.

Public health foundation prizes are awarded following nominations submitted by WHO Member States and former laureates. Selection panels composed of representatives of the prize foundations and WHO Executive Board Members review candidates and make recommendations. The WHO Executive Board designates the winners each year, and the awards are presented during a plenary session of the World Health Assembly.

Over the past 15 years, more than 80 laureates from over 50 WHO Member States have received public health prizes. In 2026, nearly 100 nominations were submitted from across all six WHO regions, reflecting a significant increase in global engagement in recognizing public health excellence.

About WHO 

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. 

We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

“Together for health. Stand with science”, the theme of World Health Day 2026 marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.