WHO declares Ebola outbreak an international public health emergency

May 17, 2026 - 06:55

The World Health Organization has officially designated the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This rare declaration highlights the serious global threat posed by the virus, which has been spreading in the country's eastern provinces for over a year.

The decision came after a meeting of the WHO's emergency committee, which cited the recent spread of the disease to the major city of Goma as a key factor. Goma is a densely populated urban center near the border with Rwanda, raising fears of cross-border transmission. The outbreak, first detected in August 2018, has already infected thousands of people and claimed more than 1,600 lives, making it the second deadliest Ebola outbreak in history.

While the WHO has faced criticism for not declaring the emergency sooner, the new status is expected to unlock more international funding and resources. It also allows the WHO to issue temporary recommendations to affected countries, such as screening travelers at airports and border crossings. However, the organization stopped short of calling for travel or trade restrictions, which could harm the local economy.

Health workers on the ground continue to face significant challenges, including community mistrust and sporadic attacks by armed groups. The response effort relies heavily on a new experimental vaccine, which has been given to over 160,000 people. Despite the progress, the WHO warns that the risk of regional spread remains very high, and the international community must remain vigilant.