WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda

May 17, 2026 - 14:15

The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global health emergency. The announcement came after a meeting of the WHO's emergency committee, which cited the recent spread of the virus into Uganda as a major concern. However, the organization stressed that the outbreak does not yet meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency, and it advised against any closure of international borders.

The decision marks the fifth time the WHO has used the "public health emergency of international concern" label since the designation was created. The outbreak, which began in eastern Congo last year, has already killed more than 1,400 people. The recent confirmation of cases in Uganda, including a five-year-old boy who crossed the border with his family, raised fears of wider regional spread. Health workers have struggled to contain the virus due to community mistrust, armed conflict, and the difficulty of reaching remote areas. The WHO's declaration is meant to unlock more funding and resources, and to coordinate a stronger international response. Officials continue to urge calm, emphasizing that the risk of global spread remains low as long as containment measures are followed.