Ebola Suspected Cases Surge Past 900 in Eastern DR Congo Amid Conflict

However, the ongoing fighting has repeatedly displaced people, and contacts of infected persons cannot distance themselves from others in overcrowded refugee camps. The WHO estimates that around 100,000 people were displaced in the past month alone due to clashes between government troops and rebel groups.

Tedros visited Ituri Province, the center of the outbreak, and arrived in the provincial capital Bunia to call on armed groups to lay down their weapons at least temporarily. "We cannot help as long as helpers have to fear for their safety and their lives," he stated. "A ceasefire, even a short one, would save lives."

Race for Treatments

The WHO is working with partners to accelerate clinical studies on possible vaccines and therapies against the Bundibugyo strain. The organization's scientific advisory bodies have recommended studies on several promising products, but it will take several more months before possible treatments become available.

Despite the dire circumstances, Tedros expressed determination upon arrival in Kinshasa, stating that the outbreak can be stopped. "Together we will overcome this outbreak," he posted on X. "I will do everything in my power to help you."

On Wednesday, the WHO reported the first recovery case after a confirmed Ebola infection in the country. WHO specialist Anaïs Legand told reporters that a patient had recovered and left the hospital after two negative tests, marking the first person since the start of the epidemic to be sent home from a treatment center.

Humanitarian Response

The African Union health authority has registered 1,077 suspected Ebola cases, including 246 deaths. The WHO last reported 223 suspected Ebola deaths since the start of the latest outbreak, with 10 deaths confirmed, though the organization estimates the actual extent of the outbreak is larger than confirmed figures.

New suspected cases have also been reported from neighboring Uganda. Tedros stated that the WHO does not support travel bans, saying they "do not achieve much," even as the United States has imposed entry restrictions on people from the affected countries.

UNICEF reported that 100 tons of relief supplies from the European Union arrived in Bunia. The delivery includes protective equipment for medical personnel, medicines, and hygiene items and is intended to benefit approximately 100,000 people.

Welthungerhilfe warns of a humanitarian catastrophe in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Approximately 10 million people in the region are affected by armed conflicts, displacement, and severely restricted access to humanitarian aid.

Ursula Langkamp, Welthungerhilfe country director in the DRC, stated: "The people in eastern Congo have not had peace for years — first hunger, war and displacement, and now Ebola on top of that. The dangerous Ebola outbreak is escalating the situation."