BUNIA, Democratic Republic of the Congo

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has pledged that communities affected by the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) will not face the crisis alone, stressing that trust, partnership and community leadership will be key to stopping the disease.

Speaking on Saturday in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province and the epicenter of the outbreak, Tedros said the response must be built around the people most affected.

“You are not alone in this. We are here, we are with you, and we will see this through together,” he said.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, continues to evolve rapidly. As of late May, hundreds of suspected cases had been reported in DR Congo, while confirmed infections and deaths had been recorded in both DR Congo and neighboring Uganda.

During meetings with government officials, community leaders, humanitarian organizations and health workers, Tedros emphasized that local knowledge and participation are essential to ending transmission.

“We are not here to tell people what to do. We are here to listen,” he said, underscoring WHO’s growing focus on community engagement through local leaders, radio stations and social media networks to counter misinformation and encourage early treatment.

Although there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, Tedros said survival is possible with prompt medical care and noted that some patients in Ituri have already recovered.

WHO and its partners are supporting diagnostic testing, screening efforts and infection prevention measures while also advancing research into potential vaccines and treatments.

The UN Population Fund, UNFPA, has meanwhile warned that the outbreak is placing additional strain on already fragile health services, including maternal and newborn care.

The agency is deploying medical supplies and personnel to help ensure essential services continue.

Tedros said the international response must go beyond containing Ebola alone.

“While we fight this outbreak alongside you, we are committed to ensuring that other essential health services and humanitarian assistance continue,” he said.

Pointing to DR Congo’s experience in overcoming previous Ebola outbreaks, he expressed confidence that this one can also be brought under control, with communities leading the way.