Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, May 21, 2026 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has launched an emergency response to a rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where health authorities report at least 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases. One death and two confirmed cases have also been recorded in Uganda, raising concerns of regional spread.
The outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscoring the seriousness of the situation as containment efforts intensify across affected areas.
Preliminary laboratory findings indicate the outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or targeted treatments. Humanitarian agencies warn that this significantly increases the difficulty of controlling transmission and protecting frontline health workers.
The IRC said its response will focus on infection prevention and control, support for health workers, and protection of vulnerable communities. This includes the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), strengthening of safe isolation practices, and community engagement to improve awareness and reduce transmission risks.
Health officials and aid agencies are particularly concerned about the risk of rapid spread due to ongoing insecurity, population displacement, and high levels of cross-border movement between eastern DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Heather Kerr, IRC Democratic Republic of Congo Country Director, said that delays in response could have severe consequences, especially in densely populated areas such as Goma, where health systems are already under strain.
She warned that decades of conflict and instability have weakened healthcare infrastructure in the region, making it harder to contain outbreaks once they begin. She emphasized the need for rapid deployment of infection control measures and stronger support for frontline medical workers.
The IRC also called for coordinated international action, improved access to affected communities, and uninterrupted delivery of essential medical supplies. It stressed the importance of community engagement and trust-building as central components of effective outbreak control.
As global health leaders meet at the World Health Assembly, the organization said the outbreak highlights the urgent need for greater investment in fragile and conflict-affected health systems, where limited resources and insecurity can accelerate the spread of infectious disease.
