May 18, 2026, 10:46 AM
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The decision follows confirmation of over 300 cases, with cross‑border transmission raising alarm about regional containment. WHO officials emphasized that the declaration is intended to mobilize international resources, accelerate vaccine distribution, and strengthen surveillance in affected areas.
Uganda’s health ministry confirmed clusters in border districts, while Kinshasa authorities warned of rising fatalities and strained medical facilities. The emergency status underscores the risk of wider spread, particularly given porous borders and limited healthcare infrastructure. Global health experts note that while Ebola outbreaks have been declared emergencies before, the scale and speed of this spread demand urgent coordination among governments, aid agencies, and vaccine manufacturers.
(Source – Reuters)
—Agencies
Leave a Reply