WHO chief urges countries to reconsider travel bans as DR Congo battles Ebola outbreak

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures imposed in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda.

Speaking during a visit to Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province and the epicentre of the outbreak, Tedros said such restrictions could make it harder to contain the disease and undermine trust between affected communities and health authorities. He urged governments to adopt evidence-based measures instead of blanket travel restrictions.

“I call on countries that have imposed travel bans or border closures to reconsider,” Tedros said, adding that such measures can complicate response efforts and discourage transparency that is critical during disease outbreaks.

The appeal comes as Ebola cases continue to rise in eastern Congo. According to WHO and Congolese health authorities, more than 1,000 suspected cases have been reported during the outbreak, with hundreds of samples tested and a significant number returning positive results.

The outbreak has also spread beyond Congo’s borders. Uganda has reported confirmed Ebola cases, including infections detected in the capital, Kampala, raising concerns about regional transmission.

WHO earlier declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the risk of cross-border spread and the need for coordinated international action. The organisation said the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments.

Despite the absence of approved vaccines, Tedros said patients can survive if they receive timely and quality medical care. During his visit, he also met affected communities and health workers involved in the response effort.

Health officials in Congo have said their immediate priority is to contain the outbreak within the affected provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu and prevent further spread.

Congo’s Health Minister Roger Kamba said authorities hope to bring the outbreak under control within four to six months, based on the country’s previous experience managing Ebola epidemics.

The outbreak is unfolding in a region already facing insecurity, displacement and humanitarian challenges, factors that health agencies say are making containment efforts more difficult.

Aid groups and international organisations have also warned that the response is being stretched by funding gaps and logistical challenges.

Several countries have introduced travel-related restrictions following the outbreak. However, WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have argued that such measures may discourage reporting, affect regional economies and hinder the movement of medical personnel and supplies needed for outbreak control.