Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 18, 2026 —  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is launching an emergency response to the rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Health authorities in the DRC report at least 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases as well as one death and two confirmed cases in Uganda. The IRC warns that insecurity, displacement, fragile health systems, and high levels of population movement across the region risk accelerating transmission if containment efforts are not urgently scaled up.

Laboratory analysis suggests the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no licensed vaccine or approved targeted treatment, increasing concerns among humanitarian and public health responders.

Heather Kerr, IRC Democratic Republic of Congo Country Director, said:

“Every delay has a human cost. The confirmation of cases in Goma raises serious alarm - a densely populated transport hub where the virus can spread fast and far. Eastern DRC's years of conflict and displacement have left health systems on their knees, and that makes containing this outbreak all the harder. With dozens of lives already lost and an already overstretched health system, we need to act fast. 

“The IRC has extensive experience responding to Ebola outbreaks, and our teams know that rapid action on infection prevention and control, community engagement, safe isolation, and support to frontline health workers is critical to preventing further spread. In response to the current escalating outbreak, whilst working in close coordination with the government health authorities who are leading the response, IRC is immediately launching emergency prevention and control activities including distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)."

IRC is particularly concerned by the mobility of populations across eastern DRC and neighbouring countries including Uganda and South Sudan, which increases the risk of cross-border transmission. Ongoing trust building and dialogue is needed between the response and the community to end the epidemic, together. All response actors need to continue prioritizing dialogue with affected communities in order to support infection prevention and control efforts 

The IRC reiterates that this moment calls for solidarity and speed. All actors must implement WHO recommended measures, facilitate unimpeded access to affected communities, and movement of critical supplies including personal protective equipment. 

As world leaders gather at the World Health Assembly, this Ebola outbreak must serve as a wake-up call for the urgent need to invest in fragile and conflict-affected states, where weak health systems, insecurity, and chronic underfunding create the conditions for deadly diseases to spread rapidly. IRC