On May 25, 2026, during an online briefing for the African Union, Dr. Tedros highlighted the urgent need for action as the dangerous Bundibugyo strain of Ebola continues to spread. He mentioned that the situation is deteriorating, with neighboring Uganda confirming an additional two Ebola cases, bringing its total to seven confirmed cases.

Dr. Tedros emphasized that the ongoing epidemic poses high risks of further transmission to countries bordering the Congo, calling for immediate preventative measures. He plans to visit Congo, the outbreak's epicenter, along with Chikwe Ihekweazu, a senior WHO official specializing in health emergencies.

The challenges in response efforts are compounded by the high insecurity in Congo's Ituri and North Kivu provinces, where there are currently no approved vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus. Dr. Tedros underscored the necessity for international collaboration to enhance surveillance, prevention, and treatment capabilities to contain the outbreak effectively.

The WHO has designated this situation as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), urging affected states to activate their emergency response protocols. The call for urgent and comprehensive actions reflects the heightened urgency as health teams strive to keep pace with the outbreak's rapid advancement.

Countries in the region are on high alert, and urgent responses are deemed essential to mitigate the spread and deal effectively with this escalating health crisis.