AGP Executive Report

Ebola Surge in Eastern Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says he’s “deeply concerned” about the “scale and speed” of the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak after DR Congo reported at least 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases (over 500 suspected cases overall), with the virus spreading undetected for weeks and now showing up in urban areas; No Vaccine/No Approved Treatment: the rare strain has no approved medicines or vaccines, and WHO notes response may take months while teams push testing and care; Urban Risk & Mobility: Tedros points to cases emerging in places like Bunia, Goma, and other towns, plus population movement and health worker deaths; Panic Warning: WHO’s Africa leadership urged people not to panic—“fear by itself is an outbreak”—while contact tracing and response strategies ramp up; Global Alarm: the WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and the US has moved to restrict entry from affected regions as an American doctor tests positive and is evacuated for treatment.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s health minister says the outbreak has climbed to 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases, with WHO chief Tedros warning of the “scale and speed” of a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain. Vaccine Gap: WHO and partners are weighing whether experimental vaccines or medicines can be used, but officials stress there is no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain. Containment Under Pressure: Health workers are racing to respond as cases are reported across eastern provinces and into Uganda, and WHO says the deaths may include cases not yet confirmed as Ebola-linked. US Response: The CDC has restricted entry for travelers from affected countries after an American doctor tested positive, with exposed Americans moved for monitoring and treatment. Local Response: Congo is opening more Ebola treatment centers in Ituri to expand care capacity as fear spreads in border communities.

Ebola Response Escalates in Ituri: DR Congo is opening three new Ebola treatment centres in eastern Ituri as the outbreak—driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain—has now killed nearly 120 and left more than 300 suspected cases, with confirmed cases reported across Bunia, Goma, Mongbwalu, Butembo and Nyakunde. No Vaccine, Fast Spread Fears: WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, warning that the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks and that there is no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain. Cross-Border Alarm: Uganda has reported cases linked to travel from Congo, and health workers are racing to expand surveillance and screening. US Exposure and Travel Moves: An American doctor has tested positive, and the CDC is coordinating the withdrawal and monitoring of exposed Americans in Germany, while the US has issued travel restrictions and warnings. Why It’s Hard to Contain: Officials and experts point to delayed detection, early tests missing the right strain, and disruption from conflict and displacement.

Ebola Response Accelerates in Ituri: Congo’s health minister says three Ebola treatment centers are being opened across Ituri (Bunia, Rwampara, Mongwalu) as the outbreak—driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain—keeps spreading, with reports of about 350 suspected cases and 91 probable deaths and cases already flagged in Kinshasa and Goma. WHO Emergency Escalation: The WHO has declared the DRC–Uganda outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning the real scale may be bigger and that there’s no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain. Why It Spread Faster: Officials and experts point to late detection and operational failures—funeral practices, tests calibrated for the wrong strain, and mishandled samples—allowing transmission into rebel-held areas and across borders. Cross-Border Pressure: Uganda confirmed cases in Kampala, and the CDC is coordinating safe withdrawal of a small number of exposed Americans while other countries tighten screening. Regional Strain on Health Systems: Experts also warn infectious outbreaks are becoming more frequent and damaging as conflict and weak preparedness collide.

Global Health Emergency: WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, after deaths climbed to around 88 and suspected cases topped 300, with no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain driving the crisis. Cross-Border Spread Worries: A lab-confirmed case has been reported in Goma and another in Kinshasa, while Uganda confirmed cases in Kampala linked to travelers from Congo—raising fears the virus has been moving longer than detected. Containment Under Strain: WHO says the outbreak doesn’t meet “pandemic” criteria, but warns neighboring countries face high risk and urges border and internal screening plus emergency preparedness. Local Response Escalates: In the latest updates, health workers are intensifying screening and contact tracing as communities report frequent burials and mounting fear. Travel/Trade Caution: Some governments, including Hong Kong, have activated alert plans to strengthen airport screening and public guidance.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, as deaths climb and the virus appears to be moving beyond the initial hotspot. Rising Toll, No Vaccine: Africa CDC reports 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases in Ituri, with WHO also citing no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this rare strain. New Spread Signals: A laboratory-confirmed case in Goma has been reported, and WHO says a case has also been detected in Kinshasa—about 1,000 km from Ituri—while two cases in Kampala involve travellers from Congo. What WHO Says (and Doesn’t): WHO warns the outbreak is “extraordinary” and urges cross-border readiness, but it stops short of a pandemic emergency and advises against blanket border closures. Containment Pressure: Health workers are already reporting deaths among staff and uncertainty over the true scale, with conflict and population movement in eastern Congo complicating response.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO has declared the new Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” warning border-sharing countries face high risk of further spread while stopping short of a pandemic declaration. Death Toll Rising: Africa CDC says deaths in Ituri province have climbed to 87, with “active community transmission” as teams push harder screening and contact tracing. No Vaccine, Harder Response: DR Congo health officials stress this strain has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, raising fears of a wider outbreak. Cross-Border Spread Documented: Uganda confirmed an “imported” case in Kampala linked to a Congolese patient who died May 14, and WHO notes additional cases detected in Kinshasa from people returning from Ituri. Local Reality: In Bunia and nearby zones, residents report frequent burials and mounting fear as the outbreak appears to have circulated undetected for weeks.

Ebola Surge: DR Congo’s health minister says deaths from the new Ituri outbreak have climbed to 80, with Bundibugyo strain confirmed and no vaccine or specific treatment for it; Uganda has also reported one fatal imported case in Kampala. Africa CDC Alarm: Africa CDC confirmed the outbreak earlier with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, and convened an urgent regional meeting with DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan to push screening, contact tracing, and cross-border surveillance. Strain Complication: Officials warn the virus may be a non-Zaire Ebola type, meaning existing tools built for the Zaire strain may not fit. On-the-Ground Fear: In Bunia and nearby areas, residents describe constant burials and days of unexplained illness as teams race to identify contacts amid insecurity and mining-linked movement. Context: The outbreak is Congo’s 17th since Ebola was first detected in 1976.

Ebola Surge in Ituri: DR Congo has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in remote Ituri province, with the health ministry saying 80 deaths and Africa CDC reporting 65 deaths so far, alongside 246 suspected cases; lab testing in Kinshasa found Ebola in 13 of 20 samples, and four deaths are linked to confirmed cases. Strain Uncertainty: Early results point to a non-Zaire strain, with sequencing ongoing—raising concerns because many tools were built for Zaire. Rapid Response Triggered: Kinshasa has activated its emergency operations center, boosted surveillance, and ordered response teams, while Africa CDC is convening an urgent meeting with DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and partners to tighten cross-border monitoring. Cross-Border Alarm: Uganda confirmed one “imported” Ebola death in Kampala from a Congolese man, and contacts have been quarantined. Containment Harder by Geography & Conflict: Cases cluster in Mongwalu and Rwampara, with suspected cases in Bunia; poor roads, mining-driven mobility, insecurity, and contact-tracing gaps all heighten spread risk.

Ebola Alarm in Ituri: Africa CDC has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s eastern Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported so far, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, and additional suspected cases under review in Bunia near the Uganda border. Cross-Border Response: The agency is convening urgent talks with DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan to tighten surveillance and preparedness as mining-linked movement and insecurity threaten containment. Strain Uncertainty: Early lab results detected Ebola in 13 of 20 samples, and officials say the virus may be a non-Zaire strain, which could complicate use of existing tools. Hunger Crisis Deepens: At the same time, FAO/WFP warn 26.5 million people (nearly 1 in 4) are facing severe hunger, with needs far outpacing humanitarian response.

Court Order on Deportation: A US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to bring back Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata, a 55-year-old Colombian woman deported to DR Congo even after Congolese authorities said they couldn’t accept her due to serious medical needs. The judge said the move was “likely illegal” and warned she faces daily risk of complications, including death, directing the government to report steps to return her by Friday. Eastern Congo Rights Abuses: Human Rights Watch reports M23 and Rwandan forces carried out killings, rape, and abductions during a month-long occupation of Uvira in late 2025, calling for investigations including at the International Criminal Court. Hunger Crisis: WFP/FAO warn 26.5 million people in the DRC need urgent food help, with 3.6 million in emergency conditions as conflict keeps disrupting farming and markets. Health & Care in Kinshasa: China donated medicines and equipment to the Sino-Congolese Friendship Hospital, boosting local treatment capacity. Conservation Spotlight: Lola ya Bonobo in Kinshasa highlighted how orphaned bonobos survive only with constant human care after poaching and bushmeat trade.

Deportation Court Ruling: A U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump administration to bring back a Colombian woman deported to DR Congo, saying the country refused to accept her because it couldn’t provide enough medical care for her diabetes and thyroid condition—she’s reportedly been living under locked hotel gates in Kinshasa. Eastern Congo Atrocities: Human Rights Watch says M23 and Rwandan forces carried out a month-long abusive occupation of Uvira in late 2025, including door-to-door killings, rape, and forced disappearances, calling for investigations up to the International Criminal Court. Hunger Warning: WFP/FAO report 26.5 million people in the DRC facing severe hunger, with 3.6 million in emergency conditions as conflict keeps families from farms and disrupts markets. Wildlife Rescue: In Kinshasa, Lola ya Bonobo continues caring for orphaned bonobos rescued from poachers and bushmeat demand—survival depends on constant human affection. Ongoing Context: Amnesty also highlights ADF war crimes in North Kivu and Ituri, while reports note U.S. policy shifts and sanctions tied to M23 and the Washington Accords.

France-Kenya Pivot: Macron is hosting a high-level Africa summit in Nairobi with President William Ruto, signaling France’s push to rebuild influence in Anglophone countries as anti-French anger grows in parts of Francophone West Africa. Hunger Alarm in the DRC: WFP/FAO warn 26.5 million people—nearly 1 in 4—are facing severe hunger, with 3.6 million in emergency conditions as conflict in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika keeps uprooting families and breaking food access. Bonobo Rescue Spotlight: At Lola ya Bonobo in Kinshasa, caregivers are raising orphaned bonobos killed or taken by poachers for bushmeat, stressing that affection and constant care can mean the difference between life and death. Eastern Congo Pressure: Amnesty highlights ADF atrocities in North Kivu and Ituri, while a separate report notes US sanctions tied to M23—showing how armed groups keep shaping health and humanitarian realities. Health System Support: China has donated medicines and equipment to the Sino-Congolese Friendship Hospital, aiming to boost treatment capacity.

Hunger Warning: WFP/FAO say DRC hunger is worsening again, with 26.5 million people—nearly 1 in 4—unable to meet basic food needs, including 3.6 million in emergency conditions, as conflict in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika keeps uprooting families, breaking markets, and cutting access to farmland; Humanitarian Pressure: the same update notes 7.8 million people are internally displaced and that high food prices, disrupted supply routes, and outbreaks like cholera and measles are piling on; Wildlife Rescue: on Kinshasa’s forest edge, Lola ya Bonobo is caring for orphaned bonobos rescued from poachers and bushmeat trade, with foster mothers like Micheline Nzonzi saying affection and constant care are what keep infants alive; Public Health & Risk: separate reporting highlights how US withdrawal from WHO could slow hantavirus tracking and contact tracing, even as partners work to manage risk; Ongoing Context: eastern Congo violence and war crimes reporting continue to spotlight ADF abuses, while US sanctions tied to M23 remain unlikely to quickly end fighting.

Rumour-to-riot panic in Tshopo: In northeastern DR Congo’s Tshopo province, a viral claim that men’s genitals were “shrinking” spread through churches, Facebook/TikTok and WhatsApp—before authorities could respond—fueling fear, suspicion of outsiders, and mob violence as alleged “cures” were shown on phones. Eastern Congo pressure points: Amnesty International’s latest reporting spotlights ADF war crimes in North Kivu and Ituri, describing killings, abductions and attacks on health facilities that deepen an already collapsing humanitarian situation. Health cooperation: China donated medicines and medical equipment to the Sino-Congolese Friendship Hospital in Kinshasa, citing past support during outbreaks like Ebola and mpox. Regional context: US withdrawal from WHO could slow access to hantavirus surveillance and contact-tracing support, while eastern Congo’s crisis continues to draw international attention through rallies by the Banyamulenge diaspora. Digital push: GSMA Africa urged DR Congo and other governments to treat telecoms as a core economic pillar and cut taxes that block digital inclusion.

Genital-shrinking panic: Rumours in DR Congo’s Tshopo province—amplified by church “cures” and fast-spreading Facebook/TikTok videos—sparked fear and mob violence before officials could calm people down. Eastern Congo humanitarian pressure: The EU calls conditions in eastern DR Congo “catastrophic,” citing mass displacement, violence, and blocked aid—while pushing humanitarian corridors and basic services like water, medicines, and vaccines, plus talks on reopening Goma airport. ADF war crimes spotlight: Amnesty reports the Allied Democratic Forces carried out killings, abductions, forced labor and sexual violence, and says attacks are worsening access to healthcare and food. Health cooperation: China donated medicines and equipment to the Sino-Congolese Friendship Hospital in Kinshasa, aiming to boost treatment capacity. Regional conflict backdrop: US sanctions on Joseph Kabila over support for M23 add pressure to an already volatile eastern security landscape.