World Health Organization Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries that have imposed travel bans or closed borders in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda to reconsider those measures, saying such restrictions can hinder response efforts. He made the appeal while visiting Bunia in eastern DRC, the epicentre of the outbreak, where he met local authorities and communities.
Tedros warned that travel bans and border closures can make outbreak control more difficult and can undermine the transparency and trust that are essential for saving lives. He said his visit to Bunia is intended to engage directly with affected communities and to strengthen support for response teams working in the hardest‑hit areas.
Health authorities in the DRC have reported more than 900 suspected Ebola cases and over 220 suspected deaths. Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed nine cases, including recent infections detected in the capital, Kampala. Officials have identified the virus as the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, officials say, although patients can recover with timely and quality medical care. Public health experts stress that clear communication, rapid case detection, safe clinical care and community trust are critical to controlling the outbreak and preventing wider spread.
The WHO chief’s visit and his call to avoid blanket travel restrictions underline the organisation’s push to balance containment measures with the need to maintain essential movement for healthcare, supplies and transparent reporting during the Ebola response.
Original Source: https://newsonair.gov.in/who-chief-calls-for-reconsideration-of-travel-bans-as-dr-congo-battles-ebola-outbreak/
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Publish Date: 2026-06-05 00:15:00
