The Ebola-affected region of Buni in the Democratic Republic of Congo has received protective equipment and medical supplies as authorities and international partners intensify efforts to contain a growing outbreak.
The European Civil Protection Mechanism donated 100 tonnes of emergency health supplies to the country’s health authorities on Thursday, even as suspected cases continue to rise in the eastern provinces.
Health officials report that suspected infections are nearing 1,000, with at least 220 suspected deaths recorded so far. The Congolese Ministry of Health said on Tuesday that 101 cases have been confirmed, while more than 3,000 contacts are under active monitoring.
The outbreak has spread across 13 health zones in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, with Ituri identified as the current epicentre.
The outbreak is the 17th Ebola epidemic recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo strain, a relatively rare form of the virus.
International responses have escalated alongside the worsening situation. Uganda on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of its border with the DRC following reports that infected individuals had crossed into Ugandan territory before the outbreak was officially declared on May 15.
Ugandan authorities said the restriction will remain in place, with exceptions only for authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian workers, essential cargo transport, and designated security personnel operating under strict health protocols.
Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases, with health officials warning that the number of contacts linked to confirmed infections is rising, including among medical personnel.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” on May 17, while the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared a continental public health security emergency.
In a related development, Canada has announced stricter travel measures, including halting visa issuance for travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. It also plans to impose quarantine requirements of at least 21 days for arrivals from the DRC.
Health authorities across the region continue to coordinate surveillance and containment efforts as the outbreak expands, with concerns growing over cross-border transmission risks in East Africa.
