The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for urgent global action to contain Ebola outbreaks and strengthen pandemic preparedness systems, warning that the world remains vulnerable to rapidly spreading infectious diseases.
His remarks came at the conclusion of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, where health leaders discussed ongoing outbreaks and long-term reforms to global health systems. The warning follows new Ebola cases confirmed in Uganda involving the Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved cure or vaccine.
Health authorities reported three additional cases, including a healthcare worker, a driver, and a patient who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ituri Province. This brings the total number of confirmed infections in Uganda to five, prompting heightened regional surveillance and response measures.
The WHO is working closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and national authorities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to contain the outbreak. Risk assessments for the region have been raised to very high at the national level in the DRC, although the global risk remains low at this stage.
Officials stressed the importance of cross-border coordination, noting that delays in response can significantly worsen outbreak outcomes. Health leaders emphasized that strong surveillance systems and rapid action are essential, with the guiding principle that “time saves lives” during infectious disease emergencies.
Dr. Tedros also called on member states to increase financial contributions to ensure the WHO can respond effectively to future health crises. He highlighted the importance of turning global agreements into practical action that strengthens healthcare systems and protects vulnerable populations.
The World Health Assembly concluded with member states adopting resolutions on a wide range of health priorities, including tuberculosis control, emergency care, stroke prevention, diagnostic imaging, and neglected tropical diseases. Countries also agreed to advance reforms aimed at improving global coordination during health emergencies through a more structured international health architecture.
WHO leaders emphasized that successful implementation will depend on national-level action, including stronger healthcare systems, improved financing, better vaccine access, and increased international collaboration. The organization also called for progress on pandemic agreements, enhanced disease surveillance, and sustained investment in global health resilience.
The latest developments underscore growing concern within the global health community that emerging outbreaks continue to pose a serious threat, reinforcing the need for coordinated preparedness, faster response systems, and stronger international cooperation.
