WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to address an ongoing Ebola outbreak.
The visit highlights the extreme difficulty of containing the virus in a region where medical teams must navigate both a deadly pathogen and active conflict. The intersection of a health crisis and instability complicates the delivery of vaccines and the tracking of new cases.
The outbreak has claimed more than 200 lives [1]. Response efforts in the northeastern region, particularly around Bunia, are hampered by the presence of armed groups that impede the movement of health workers. These security challenges are compounded by the spread of misinformation, including rumors about witchcraft and the use of WhatsApp to disseminate false claims [2].
Reporting from the zone remains hazardous. AFP video journalist Glody Murhabazi has documented the crisis, noting that the reality of the epidemic is shaped by these volatile conditions. The danger extends beyond the virus to the physical threats posed by militia activity in the province.
Despite these hurdles, some signs of stabilization have emerged. On May 31, 2026, the airport in Bunia reopened [3]. This reopening suggests a level of confidence in the containment of the virus within the city center, though the broader region remains at risk.
There are conflicting reports regarding the current trajectory of the epidemic. Some sources suggest the situation is spinning out of control, while others point to the airport's reopening as a sign of progress. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he maintained a positive outlook on the possibility of eradication.
"Ebola can be stopped," Tedros said [1].
“"Ebola can be stopped."”
The situation in Ituri province demonstrates that public health crises are rarely just medical issues. When an epidemic occurs in a conflict zone, the 'disease' includes not only the virus but also political instability and the breakdown of trust. The ability to reopen the Bunia airport suggests a strategic attempt to restore normality, but the persistence of armed groups means the risk of a resurgence remains high as long as health workers cannot safely access all affected communities.
