The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is now the largest on record, with more than 1,400 confirmed cases and over 400 deaths across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Speaking at an online media briefing on Friday, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, described the crisis as one of the continent’s gravest public health emergencies this year and urged sustained global intervention to contain the virus.
Despite persistent transmission in several hotspots—where weekly infections have reached their highest levels—Janabi noted encouraging progress. Enhanced surveillance, stronger contact tracing, and earlier case detection have bolstered response efforts. Contact tracing has improved from 25 to 83 per cent in the DRC, while Uganda has achieved 100 per cent follow-up of identified contacts. Crucially, more than 200 patients have recovered and been discharged, reflecting advances in clinical care and earlier diagnosis.
However, Janabi warned that a recent imported case in Uganda underscores the continued threat of cross-border transmission. He called for stronger regional collaboration through timely data sharing, coordinated preparedness, and joint surveillance to prevent further international spread.
In a major scientific milestone, the first patients have been enrolled in a WHO-supported clinical trial evaluating potential treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain—a development that could improve patient outcomes during the current crisis and strengthen future outbreak responses.
Uganda’s Director-General of Health, Charles Olaro, reported 20 confirmed cases in the country as of 2 July, comprising 15 imported infections and five Ugandan nationals identified during institutional quarantine. No community transmission has been recorded, and surveillance systems remain fully activated. Some 836 contacts are under monitoring, with several having completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up without developing symptoms.
Olaro added that laboratory testing capacity in the DRC has expanded dramatically, from fewer than 30 daily samples to more than 2,000. He cautioned, however, that epidemiological trends remain concerning, with confirmed cases projected to approach 1,500 if transmission continues unabated in affected hotspots.
Janabi appealed for sustained financial backing, emphasising that resources, speed, and partnerships—rather than commitment alone—are essential to bringing the outbreak under control. Both he and Olaro commended frontline health workers, governments, and international partners for their continued efforts under difficult conditions, while stressing that containment remains achievable through regional solidarity, scientific innovation, and unwavering cooperation.