Ebola Suspected Cases Surge Past 900 in Eastern DR Congo as Conflict Blocks Aid

Those measures have become nearly impossible to implement. Ongoing clashes between government troops and rebel groups have displaced around 100,000 people in the past month alone, the WHO reported. In overcrowded refugee camps, contacts of infected individuals cannot distance themselves from others.

Ceasefire Called a Lifeline

Tedros, speaking from the provincial capital Bunia, called on the warring parties to lay down their weapons at least temporarily. "We cannot help as long as helpers must fear for their safety and their lives," he said. "A ceasefire, even a short one, would save lives."

The WHO is working with partners to accelerate clinical studies on possible vaccines and therapies. Its scientific advisory bodies have recommended studies on several promising products that could potentially be effective against the Bundibugyo strain, but it will still be several months before possible treatments become available.

Despite the dire conditions, there have been small signs of progress. On Wednesday, the WHO reported the first recovery case after a confirmed Ebola infection in the DR Congo. WHO specialist Anaïs Legand said a patient had recovered and left the hospital after two negative tests.

Tedros struck a determined tone upon arrival in Kinshasa, saying the outbreak can "be stopped." He later posted on X: "Together we will overcome this outbreak."

Aid Arrives Amid Warnings of Catastrophe

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 beginning of the latest outbreak, with 10 deaths confirmed. The agency estimates the actual extent of the outbreak is larger than confirmed figures indicate.

New suspected cases are also being reported from neighboring Uganda. High mobility in the affected regions and the ongoing armed conflicts are making containment efforts extremely challenging.

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

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

Tedros appealed to the international community to significantly increase financial support to ensure health workers on the ground are equipped with necessary supplies and the Ebola outbreak can be brought under control. The WHO does not support travel bans, stating they "do not achieve much," though the United States has imposed entry restrictions on people from the affected countries.