WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus: Ebola outbreak is an international emergency

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued an official statement regarding the Ebola outbreak spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Ghebreyesus, who stated that he held discussions with officials in the region, said, “After consulting with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, where the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus is currently observed, I have decided that the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern under the provisions of the International Health Regulations.”

Ghebreyesus noted that the outbreak does not yet meet the criteria for a 'pandemic emergency' as per the current definition, and said, “I am grateful to the leadership of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda for their determination to take necessary and strong steps to control the events and for their honesty, which allows the global community to prepare.”

Highlighting that the outbreak poses a risk of international spread and is an extraordinary situation, Ghebreyesus stated, “As of May 16, 8 confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, 2 confirmed cases were detected in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, in individuals traveling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Emphasizing that there is no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo virus, Ghebreyesus said, “There is a need for international coordination and cooperation to understand the scale of the outbreak, coordinate prevention and response efforts, and implement control measures. We will convene an Emergency Committee as soon as possible to provide interim recommendations to member states so they can respond to the process.”