WHO Warns Congo's Ebola Outbreak Could Become Deadliest on Record

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on track to become the deadliest in history. Declared on 15 May, the outbreak has already caused more than 2,000 deaths, with thousands of additional cases reported. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the current trajectory suggests it will surpass the previous worst outbreak, which occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016 and killed over 11,000 people.

The outbreak, centered in the eastern part of the DRC, has been complicated by ongoing conflict and community mistrust, which have hindered response efforts. Health workers have faced attacks, and vaccination campaigns have been disrupted. The WHO has called for increased international support to contain the virus, emphasizing that without urgent action, the death toll could rise significantly. The agency is working with local authorities and partners to intensify surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement.