The World Health Organization has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 'far from over,' with cases climbing in North Kivu despite improvements elsewhere.
Key facts
- WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the Ebola fight in the DRC is 'far from over.'
- Cases are soaring in the DRC's North Kivu region.
- Other regions of the country have shown progress against the outbreak.
- The warning was reported by Al Jazeera on September 16, 2026.
The World Health Organization has warned that the battle against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is ‘far from over,’ as the country confronts a growing threat from the virus, according to Al Jazeera.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said cases are soaring in the DRC’s North Kivu region, underscoring the continued danger posed by the outbreak even as authorities have seen encouraging signs in other parts of the country.
According to Al Jazeera, the rise in North Kivu comes despite progress recorded in other regions, highlighting the uneven nature of the response and the challenges of containing the disease across the vast central African nation.
The comments from Tedros signal that international health officials remain concerned about the trajectory of the outbreak, with the surge in a single region enough to keep the wider emergency active.
Al Jazeera reported the warning on September 16, 2026, as attention returned to the DRC’s ongoing efforts to bring the outbreak under control.
Why it matters
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease, and a resurgence in one region can quickly undermine gains made elsewhere. The WHO's warning signals that the outbreak in the DRC remains an active public health emergency requiring sustained attention and resources.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Ebola cases rising in the DRC?
According to Al Jazeera, cases are soaring in the DRC's North Kivu region, even as other parts of the country have shown progress against the outbreak.
Who issued the warning about the Ebola outbreak?
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the fight against Ebola in the DRC is 'far from over,' as reported by Al Jazeera.
Is the Ebola outbreak in the DRC under control?
The WHO chief said the fight is 'far from over.' While some regions have shown progress, the surge in North Kivu means the outbreak remains an active threat, according to Al Jazeera.

