The World Health Organization’s Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited health workers at the Evangelical Medical Centre in Bunia, Congo, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. This visit comes as Congo reports at least 282 confirmed cases of Ebola in its current outbreak. The outbreak remains concentrated in the eastern Ituri province, with 264 cases recorded there, according to Congo’s Ministry of Health.

Congo has seen over 1,000 suspected Ebola cases involving the Bundibugyo virus, which currently lacks an approved treatment or vaccine. The main challenges in controlling the outbreak include early detection and isolation of cases, comprehensive contact tracing, safe burials, and enhancing infection prevention and control measures in health facilities. Contact tracing coverage stands at 45%, with 220 suspected cases under investigation.

Patients who have recovered from Ebola shared their relief in interviews. Baraka Bulambulu, a nurse, expressed joy after receiving two negative Ebola test results. Bulambulu received a recovery certificate from WHO Director-General Tedros as a new Ebola treatment center opened in Bunia.

Ezo Étienne, another nurse who survived Ebola, described his initial symptoms, which included dizziness and vomiting. The World Health Organization has indicated that all five survivors are health workers, consisting of four nurses and a laboratory worker.

Tedros praised the courage of the survivors, emphasizing their stories of recovery as a beacon of hope. Neighboring Uganda has reported nine Ebola cases and has closed its border with Congo to contain the outbreak. Despite the challenges posed by remote locations and armed conflicts, the recoveries signify progress. Dr. Dieudonne Mwamba Kazadi from Congo’s National Institute of Public Health highlighted the importance of early treatment in dedicated health facilities for recovery.