BUNIA, Congo — World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on Sunday that five patients have recovered from a rare strain of Ebola during a visit to Bunia, a city currently at the center of the outbreak.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new Ebola treatment center in the Ituri provincial capital, Dr. Tedros noted that four patients were scheduled for discharge that day, following one discharge two days prior. He emphasized that while the development of vaccines and specific treatments remains a priority, recovery is possible through supportive care.
The WHO previously reported the first documented recovery of a patient infected with the Bundibugyo virus, the specific strain driving the current outbreak, which currently lacks an approved vaccine or targeted treatment.
Official data indicates a critical situation, with 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths. The outbreak has also crossed borders, with Uganda’s Health Ministry confirming nine cases and one fatality.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned on Saturday that the virus is spreading faster than the current response efforts. Despite improved facility organization and new aid arrivals, MSF is calling for an immediate expansion of diagnostic testing, faster deployment of medical personnel, and sustained access to essential supplies.
The response has been complicated by local tensions, as residents have launched at least three attacks on health centers. Much of this anger stems from strict medical protocols for handling deceased victims, which conflict with traditional burial rites. During the opening of the new center, Dr. Tedros stressed the necessity of community engagement to stop the spread.
“If you come to health facilities when you have symptoms, you can get the support and recover,” the WHO chief stated. “The key is to come forward as early as possible… this is everybody’s business and every citizen should be involved.”
Security challenges further hamper medical efforts. Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—a rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State—and various ethnic militias have created a volatile environment. On Saturday, ADF fighters killed seven people in Beni, North Kivu province, a region also grappling with the virus.
Cases have also been reported in North Kivu and South Kivu, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group controls several strategic cities, including Goma and Bukavu.
Despite these challenges, local health officials expressed optimism. Pierre Akilimali, Incident Manager at Congo’s National Institute of Public Health, told the community during the inauguration that there is hope, noting that symptomatic treatment is proving effective.
“The virus here is not as complicated as those we have dealt with in the past,” added Dr. Davin Ambitapio, a physician at the new treatment center. “With the support of all our partners, we believe we will be able to bring this outbreak under control as quickly as possible.”
