Flagship newsletter icon
From Semafor Flagship
In your inbox, every weekday
Sign up

Ebola outbreak declared a global health emergency

May 17, 2026, 6:37pm EDT
PostEmailWhatsapp
A man is carried from an ambulance as he arrives at Bunia General Referral Hospital following confirmation of an Ebola outbreak
Victoire Mukenge/Reuters

The World Health Organization on Sunday declared a global health emergency over an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Around 80 deaths and more than 200 suspected infections have been reported, with cases in the capitals of Kinshasa and Kampala raising concerns over wider spread.

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccines or antibody treatments.

The WHO said the declaration is intended to trigger a coordinated international response to contain transmission.

During previous outbreaks, the US helped train epidemiologists, support vaccine deployment, and expand emergency response capacity.

Experts warn that massive cuts to foreign aid programs could weaken emergency response in vulnerable states.

AD