WHO sees possible Ebola turnaround in DR Congo within three months
The World Health Organization expressed hope Wednesday that the Ebola outbreak trend in the Democratic Republic of Congo could reverse within three months if all response measures are implemented simultaneously. The current outbreak in Ituri province is spreading faster than previous ones, with 4,449 laboratory-confirmed cases including 2,061 deaths. WHO officials noted insecurity from armed groups and public distrust complicate response efforts across five transmission zones. The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15, with WHO declaring a public health emergency two days later. An operational plan runs from August 1 through January 27, 2027, focusing on surveillance, preparedness, and preventing virus resurgence.