WHO Reports Ebola Outbreak Surge in Conflict-Ridden Eastern DRC
The World Health Organization confirmed on May 20, 2026, a significant Ebola outbreak in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths reported. The outbreak is exacerbated by ongoing militia violence, which prevents health workers from reaching affected communities and complicates vaccination efforts. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the lack of security and continued displacement are fueling the rapid spread of the virus across the volatile region.
Date:
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict: M23 Rebellion
Severity: HIGH
Source: Democracy Now