WHO Declares Global Health Emergency Over Ebola Outbreak Without Vaccine

The World Health Organization has declared a global public health emergency over a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, warning that there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the virus strain involved.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement during an emergency briefing on Wednesday, describing the outbreak as a serious regional threat.

According to him, the epidemic is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a variant for which no licensed vaccines or therapeutics exist.

“And fifth, this epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics,” Tedros warned.

WHO confirmed that 51 Ebola cases have already been recorded in the DRC’s Ituri and North Kivu provinces, including the cities of Bunia and Goma.

Uganda has also confirmed two infections in Kampala, one of which resulted in death after contact with travellers from the DRC.

Tedros said an American national who worked in the DRC also contracted the virus and has since been transferred to Germany for treatment.

The WHO chief cautioned that the outbreak may be significantly larger than official statistics currently indicate.

“Beyond the confirmed cases, there are almost 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths,” he disclosed.

“We expect those numbers to keep increasing, given the amount of time the virus was circulating before the outbreak was detected.”

Tedros identified multiple factors complicating efforts to contain the outbreak, including urban spread, attacks on health workers, conflict and mass displacement in eastern Congo.

“Deaths have been reported among health workers, indicating healthcare-associated transmission,” he stated.

He revealed that more than 100,000 people have been displaced in Ituri province over the past two months due to worsening violence.

“The area is also a mining zone, with high levels of population movement that increase the risk of further spread,” he added.

WHO currently rates the outbreak risk as high within the affected region, though the global threat level remains low.

Tedros said the organisation moved quickly by declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern before formally convening the Emergency Committee.

“This is the first time a director-general has declared a PHEIC before convening an emergency committee,” he said.

Meanwhile, WHO commended Uganda for postponing the annual Martyrs’ Day celebration, which usually attracts millions of pilgrims, to help reduce transmission risks.

The organisation also confirmed that emergency response teams, medical supplies and financial support have been sent to affected areas, with WHO approving an additional $3.4 million in emergency funding.

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