The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has officially declared the end of its 16th Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province after no new cases were reported in the 42 days following the discharge of the last patient on 19 October 2025. Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, the country’s Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare, confirmed that all scientific and operational indicators show the chain of Ebola virus transmission has been broken. The outbreak affected the Bulape Health Zone, a remote area with limited road access and telecommunication infrastructure, recording a total of 64 cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable, with 45 deaths.
The rapid containment of the outbreak was made possible through coordinated efforts by the DRC Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners. Over 112 WHO experts and frontline responders were deployed, and more than 150 tonnes of medical supplies and equipment were delivered to protect both healthcare workers and affected communities. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised the swift and united response, noting that stronger systems in clean water and safer care will continue to benefit the community after the outbreak.
A notable innovation during this outbreak was the establishment of an Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM), developed by WHO and partners including the World Food Programme. The module provided safer and more patient-friendly care while protecting healthcare workers. Vaccination efforts reached over 47,500 people, initially targeting contacts of confirmed cases and later expanding to nearby communities. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, facilitated the rapid deployment of over 48,000 Ebola vaccine doses from its global stockpile, while supporting delivery, cold chain management, and vaccination of frontline health workers.
One of the key challenges in Bulape was the lack of a reliable clean water supply at the local hospital. WHO and partners installed a piped water system and public taps, providing sustainable access to clean water for both clinical use and the wider community. Ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation work at healthcare facilities aims to strengthen long-term health system resilience.
Ebola virus disease, first identified in the DRC in 1976, is a rare but severe illness that spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals or contaminated objects and surfaces. With the outbreak now over, surveillance efforts are shifting from Ebola-specific monitoring to the broader Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system. The DRC has entered a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance, while WHO continues to support national and provincial authorities in maintaining preparedness. Programs have also been established to provide holistic post-recovery care for Ebola survivors, ensuring continued support and long-term community health resilience.
