DRC neighbors boost preparedness as Ebola cases surge

What the report says

DW reports that countries bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo are tightening Ebola preparedness measures as a fast-growing outbreak in eastern DRC raises fears of regional spread. Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia have increased border screening, surveillance and emergency response capacity, while the East African Community is coordinating with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization and other partners on testing, infection control, public messaging and rapid response.

According to DW, the DRC Health Ministry said on Monday that at least 930 people had died and 2,344 cases had been recorded in the outbreak, which was declared on May 15 and involves the Bundibugyo virus. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned the outbreak may be much larger than confirmed numbers suggest, because many infections are likely being missed in conflict-affected areas, and called for more than $400 million to support a joint WHO-Africa CDC response plan.

Zambia has not confirmed any Ebola cases but has reinforced screening at entry points and activated provincial emergency centers. Uganda has increased monitoring along its DRC border, with officials identifying Kisoro, Kanungu and Rukungiri districts as especially exposed; DW also noted Uganda has confirmed cases linked to the wider outbreak. Rwanda has expanded border health checks, disease surveillance and rapid response teams.

The outbreak is centered in eastern DRC, where insecurity, displacement and mistrust are complicating case finding, contact tracing and treatment. DW cited Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya urging nearby countries to improve early detection, while infectious disease specialist Aileen Marty said violence has undermined health operations. Health officials say sustained surveillance and regional coordination are crucial until transmission in DRC is contained.