Ebola Outbreak: WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Following 80 Fatalities
Geneva – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Nevertheless, the WHO stated that this outbreak, which has resulted in at least 80 fatalities, does not qualify as a pandemic emergency under the IHR guidelines.
As of 16 May 2026, the WHO reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province of the DRC, spanning at least three health zones: Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu.
Additionally, two separate laboratory-confirmed cases (including one death) were detected in Kampala, Uganda, just 24 hours apart, both involving individuals who had traveled from the DRC.
The cases were documented on 15 and 16 May 2026.
On 15 May 2026, Africa CDC warned the continent and the global community about the rising risk of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak spreading from Ituri province in the DRC.
This region faces significant population movement, insecurity, and strong cross-border connectivity with neighboring countries, including Uganda.
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The alert highlighted the urgent requirement for coordinated actions to prevent further spread and protect regional and continental health security.
On the same day, both the DRC and Uganda officially announced Ebola outbreaks within their borders.
“In accordance with Africa CDC’s mandate, when an outbreak impacts multiple Member States, the agency takes the lead in coordinating the regional and continental response by uniting all partners,” stated Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in a statement released on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
In response to the outbreak on Sunday, 17 May 2026, the WHO classified Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern.
Dr. Kaseya remarked that following these developments, and in line with Article 12 of the Africa CDC Statute concerning PHECS declaration, he consulted with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO.
“I have also urged Prof Salim Abdool Karim, Chair of the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), to promptly convene the ECG to provide technical guidance and recommendations regarding the evolving situation and the possible need for a PHECS declaration,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
“Furthermore, I am coordinating with H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, and H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and African Union Champion for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for additional political guidance and continental solidarity.”
To ensure effective coordination of the continental response to this outbreak, Dr. Kaseya has canceled his engagements in Geneva during the World Health Assembly and plans to return to Africa on Monday, 18 May 2026.
“I will be visiting the affected countries in the coming days to support national authorities, engage with partners, and bolster collective continental action,” Dr. Kaseya confirmed.
“Africa CDC remains fully committed to collaborating with member states and partners to safeguard lives, control the outbreak, and enhance Africa’s health security and preparedness framework.”