WHO Director-General Expresses Deep Concern Over Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda

The World Health Organization (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed “real worry” over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, which has become the third-largest on record, according to WHO data. As of June 11, there have been at least 708 confirmed cases across the two countries, with 141 deaths reported, per the agency’s latest update. The situation in the DRC, however, remains particularly dire, with significant challenges in containment efforts.

Why is the WHO Director-General Concerned About the Ebola Outbreak?

Tedros highlighted the severity of the crisis during an exclusive interview with STAT, emphasizing the “very hard” task of containing the outbreak due to widespread community mistrust. “When the community is not taking it as its priority, it’s very hard,” he stated. The WHO leader noted that many in the affected regions of the DRC view Ebola as a “lesser evil” compared to other pressing issues like armed conflict, hunger, and malaria, which claim more lives daily.

According to a WHO report, only 28.4% of contacts of confirmed Ebola cases had been traced by June 11, far below the 95% target needed to effectively control the outbreak. The lack of trust in health systems and the belief that Ebola is a “hoax” or “conspiracy” further complicates efforts, as communities often hide cases or refuse to cooperate with health workers.

What Are the Main Challenges in Containing the Outbreak?

The DRC’s northeastern region, where the outbreak is most active, faces a combination of factors that hinder containment. These include ongoing conflict, displacement of populations, and a weakened health infrastructure. WHO officials on the ground have reported facing death threats, while many trained personnel from the 2018-2020 Ebola response have since left or been unable to return due to safety concerns.

“There is no surveillance. There is no health system,” Tedros said, adding that the lack of political stability and humanitarian aid exacerbates the crisis. The president of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, and Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni have been urged to prioritize peace and long-term health system improvements, as temporary interventions alone cannot address the root causes of the outbreak.

How Does the Situation in Uganda Differ From the DRC?

Uganda, by contrast, has managed to keep its outbreak under control, with only 19 confirmed cases and two deaths as of June 2023. The country’s political stability and experience in containing previous outbreaks have contributed to its more effective response. However, cross-border transmission remains a risk, prompting regional cooperation efforts between the DRC and Uganda.

“Uganda enjoys political stability and has significant experience containing Ebola,” said a WHO spokesperson. “But in the DRC, the deadly disease is circulating unchecked due to a combination of conflict, mistrust, and inadequate resources.”

What Role Does Community Mistrust Play in the Outbreak?

Community resistance has been a major obstacle. Local leaders have questioned why global attention is focused on Ebola when other crises, such as conflict and malnutrition, claim more lives. “They see the other health problems they have. Many are dying every single day,” Tedros said. This perception has led to skepticism about the motives behind international aid, with some accusing foreign actors of exploiting the crisis for financial gain.

Health workers report that communities often hide sick individuals or refuse to participate in contact tracing. “People are afraid for their lives. Anything can happen to them,” one local official told STAT. “Ebola is the least killer.”

What Are the Next Steps for Containing the Outbreak?

Tedros called for a “political solution” to address the root causes of the crisis, including ending the conflict and improving access to food and healthcare. “The answer is peace,” he said. The WHO is also working to strengthen local health systems and rebuild trust through community engagement, but progress remains slow.

Experts warn that without significant investment in both immediate response and long-term infrastructure, the outbreak could spiral out of control. “The virus is ahead of us,” Tedros said. “Unless we address the underlying issues, we will continue to lose ground.”