Kinshasa, May 31: Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Saturday visited Bunia in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicentre of a severe Ebola outbreak that has prompted international concern.
Speaking to reporters in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, Tedros said the global community was working closely with the Congolese government to contain the outbreak. However, he stressed that the active participation of local communities remains essential to the success of response efforts.
“The international community is supporting the government, but community ownership is equally important,” he said, adding that his visit aimed to engage directly with residents, assess the ongoing response, and identify any challenges that may require additional support.
During his visit, the WHO chief is expected to inaugurate a new permanent Ebola treatment centre in Bunia. The facility, built as a permanent structure rather than temporary tents, is expected to strengthen the region’s capacity to manage and treat Ebola cases more effectively.
The visit comes amid growing concern over the outbreak, which the WHO has classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). According to health authorities, the outbreak has claimed 246 lives and involved more than 1,000 suspected cases.
Health officials continue to intensify surveillance, treatment, and awareness campaigns in a bid to contain the spread of the deadly virus and prevent further loss of life.