WHO Emphasizes Need for International Cooperation in Managing Ebola Outbreak

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has called for a reconsideration of travel restrictions imposed in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. Following the confirmation of two new Ebola cases in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, the total number of confirmed cases in the country has risen to nine. Meanwhile, Roger Kambale, Congo’s Health Minister, announced a goal to contain the Ebola outbreak within the next four to six months, focusing efforts on the three affected provinces.

At a joint press conference held in Bunia, the capital of the Ituri province in northeastern Congo, Dr. Tedros urged countries imposing travel bans and border closures to reassess these measures. He explained that such restrictions not only hinder disease control efforts but also undermine transparency and trust, which are crucial for protecting lives. He emphasized, “Only trust and transparency can save lives,” and stressed the urgent need to reevaluate the travel limitations.

According to the WHO chief, while fully approved vaccines and specific treatments for Ebola are limited, access to timely, high-quality care significantly increases the likelihood of patient recovery. Dr. Tedros stated that one purpose of his visit to Bunia was to engage directly with affected communities, where over 1,000 suspected cases have been reported so far. In Uganda, the discovery of new infections has further increased confirmed cases. The Health Ministry’s latest data indicates that with the two new cases in Kampala, the total confirmed case count stands at nine.

Health Minister Roger Kambale revealed plans to control the outbreak within four to six months, prioritizing the containment of infection within Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. He noted improvements in testing capabilities, assuring that there are no delays in laboratory diagnostics. Approximately 900 samples have been tested to date, with around 260 confirmed positive. The country currently has the capacity to test between 200 and 300 samples daily.