WHO Warns Against Travel Restrictions as DR Congo Battles Ebola Without Approved Vaccine
The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned against travel bans and border closures imposed in response to the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that such measures could hamper containment efforts and undermine transparency.
Speaking during a press briefing in Bunia, eastern DRC, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the current outbreak presents unique challenges because it involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no licensed vaccine or approved treatment currently exists.
The outbreak is unfolding amid insecurity, fragile health systems and vulnerable communities, conditions that complicate response efforts, he noted.
Despite the absence of approved vaccines and treatments, Ghebreyesus said there were encouraging signs, with some infected individuals already recovering through supportive medical care.
“Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus can be survived with good medical care, and some people here in Ituri have already recovered. Seeking care early makes a real difference,” he said.
The WHO chief disclosed that the organisation is working alongside partners to accelerate clinical trials aimed at developing safe and effective vaccines and treatments, while continuing to support the Congolese government-led response.
He also appealed to countries that have imposed travel restrictions following the outbreak to reconsider their positions.
“These measures make the response harder, and they discourage the transparency that saves lives,” Ghebreyesus warned.
According to him, community participation will play a decisive role in ending the outbreak. He stressed that response efforts must be built on trust and local engagement rather than directives imposed from outside affected communities.
“We are not here to tell people what to do. We are here to listen. Communities understand their own challenges and their own solutions,” he said.
The WHO Director-General said the organisation would engage women's groups, religious leaders, business leaders and young people in Ituri and neighbouring communities to strengthen awareness campaigns and promote local ownership of the response.
“Community ownership is what will bring this outbreak to an end,” he added.
Ghebreyesus further emphasised the importance of maintaining essential healthcare and humanitarian services while efforts to contain Ebola continue.
“And that service goes beyond Ebola. While we fight this outbreak alongside you, we are committed to ensuring that other essential health services and humanitarian assistance continue.”
He acknowledged the emotional burden borne by families during Ebola outbreaks, particularly regarding traditional burial practices, but warned that contact with the bodies of Ebola victims remains a major transmission route.
“While we grieve for those we have lost, we must do everything we can so that we do not lose another,” he said.
The WHO chief commended the Congolese government and partner organisations, including International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and World Food Programme, for supporting containment efforts.
He also reaffirmed WHO's long-term commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in the DRC, including hospitals, laboratories and the health workforce.
“WHO will remain alongside DRC for as long as it takes. Our commitment does not end when an outbreak does.”
Source: Vanguard News, May 31, 2026.
Tags: #WHO #Ebola #DRC #DemocraticRepublicOfCongo #TedrosGhebreyesus #GlobalHealth #DiseaseOutbreak #PublicHealth #AfricaCDC #UNICEF #WorldFoodProgramme #HealthEmergency #BundibugyoEbolaVirus
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