The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is severely hindering efforts to control a worsening Ebola outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, described the situation in Ituri province as a “catastrophic collision of disease and conflict,” where the Ebola outbreak is outpacing response capabilities.

Since the outbreak was declared, there have been approximately 220 suspected deaths, with around 1,000 people currently exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola, according to Congolese health authorities. The strain involved, identified as the Bundibugyo species, is rare and notably lacks any available vaccines or specific treatments, complicating containment efforts.

Dr. Tedros highlighted the challenges faced by aid workers in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the organization cannot build community trust or isolate infected individuals amid active hostilities. Ituri province has been under military administration since 2021, following the replacement of civilian authorities with a military general. This move was intended to neutralize numerous armed groups operating in the area, but clashes continue to disrupt daily life and obstruct humanitarian access.

Humanitarian actors report that poor road conditions and ongoing violence are limiting travel and logistical support, while the conflict and the resulting mass displacement have strained the local health infrastructure. The displacement of exposed contacts into overcrowded camps further exacerbates the risk of virus transmission. Attacks on health facilities have also made surveillance and contact tracing nearly impossible.

Dr. Tedros called on all armed groups to agree to an immediate ceasefire to enable safe access for medical teams and allow critical containment activities to proceed. “Stopping transmission depends entirely on humanitarian access,” he said, noting that frontline workers are risking their lives amid dangerous conditions.

The escalating outbreak has prompted several countries to impose strict travel restrictions. Canada announced a temporary 90-day entry ban on travelers from DR Congo and neighboring Uganda and South Sudan. The Bahamas imposed quarantine or isolation requirements on foreign nationals arriving from these countries, while the United States last week barred non-citizens who recently visited the region.

The country director of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in DR Congo noted that establishing adequate infrastructure to manage the outbreak will require several weeks, underscoring the urgency of support and intervention. As the health emergency unfolds amid persistent security challenges, international and local actors continue to seek ways to curb the spread of Ebola and protect vulnerable communities in eastern Congo.