The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo is far from under control, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Despite some positive indicators, such as a decline in patient admissions and slower transmission rates, MSF teams are observing a worrying trend. New cases are emerging and spreading to areas with limited preparedness and response capabilities, complicating efforts to contain the epidemic.
MSF's emergency coordinator in Bunia, Ituri, Anthony Kergosien, warned that it would be a mistake to assume the epidemic is under control simply because some Ebola treatment centers are receiving fewer patients. In Ituri, the initial epicenter of the epidemic, the situation appears to be slowing down, but nationally, the number of new cases has not decreased. The epidemic is not receding, but rather moving to new areas, with South Ubangi becoming the seventh affected province.
The North Kivu province now accounts for nearly half of all new confirmed cases, with a significant increase in positivity rate observed in recent days. With undetected transmission chains already established in the main epidemic foci, the spread to new areas with limited preparedness and response capabilities poses a major risk to controlling the epidemic. MSF is deploying personnel and resources to rapid response teams to support early case detection, patient care, and prevention and control of infections.
MSF's strategy aims to quickly detect and contain new transmission foci before they become large-scale outbreaks in areas with limited response capacity. In health zones like Bambu, where a rapid response team is currently deployed, health systems are under strong pressure due to chronic underfunding, staff shortages, and weak patient referral capacities. The epidemic is pushing these fragile structures beyond their limits, with MSF teams providing frontline response to meet urgent needs.
However, MSF teams cannot respond to the epidemic's expansion alone. A more reactive and global mobilization is urgently needed to strengthen all pillars of the Ebola response, particularly in areas far from main operational centers where response capacities remain limited. Such support would enable MSF teams to focus on rapid deployment to areas where new foci emerge, while ensuring affected communities receive all necessary services to contain the epidemic.
The DRC is currently facing its largest-ever Ebola epidemic, with over 7,200 confirmed cases and 3,676 reported deaths. The actual toll is likely higher due to gaps in surveillance and case detection. MSF is working to adapt its response to the evolving epidemic, deploying personnel and resources to support rapid response teams and strengthen the overall response.
The situation remains critical, with MSF calling for increased support to contain the epidemic. The organization is working closely with local health authorities and other partners to respond to the crisis, but more needs to be done to prevent further spread of the disease and protect vulnerable communities.
Key points
- The Ebola epidemic in DRC is far from over, with new cases emerging and spreading to unprepared areas.
- MSF is calling for a more reactive and global mobilization to strengthen the Ebola response.
- The DRC is facing its largest-ever Ebola epidemic, with over 7,200 confirmed cases and 3,676 reported deaths.
