WHO warns against travel bans as DR Congo battles deadly Ebola outbreak without vaccine

By Chioma Obinna

The World Health Organisation, (WHO) on Saturday warned that travel bans and border closures imposed over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could undermine efforts to contain the disease, cautioning that although the country had successfully defeated Ebola 16 times in the past, the current outbreak presents a more dangerous challenge as the Bundibugyo strain of the virus has no licensed vaccine or approved treatment.

Speaking during a press briefing in Bunia, eastern DR Congo, the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the latest outbreak was unfolding in difficult conditions marked by insecurity, fragile healthcare systems and vulnerable communities.

He stressed that despite the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain, there was still hope as some infected persons had already recovered through early medical care and supportive treatment.

“Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus can be survived with good medical care, and some people here in Ituri have already recovered. Seeking care early makes a real difference,” he said.

The WHO chief said the organisation was working with partners to accelerate clinical trials for safe and effective vaccines and treatments while supporting the Congolese government-led response.

He, however, appealed to countries that had imposed travel restrictions following the outbreak to reconsider their decisions, warning that such measures could complicate emergency response operations and discourage transparency.

“These measures make the response harder, and they discourage the transparency that saves lives,” he warned.

The WHO Director-General said community participation would be critical to ending the outbreak, noting that response efforts would focus heavily on building trust among residents in affected communities.
“We are not here to tell people what to do. We are here to listen. Communities understand their own challenges and their own solutions,” he stated.

According to him, WHO officials would engage women’s groups, religious leaders, business leaders and young people in Ituri and surrounding communities as part of efforts to strengthen awareness and local ownership of the response.

“Community ownership is what will bring this outbreak to an end,” he added.

He also stressed the need to sustain other essential health and humanitarian services across affected communities while the Ebola response continues.

“And that service goes beyond Ebola. While we fight this outbreak alongside you, we are committed to ensuring that other essential health services and humanitarian assistance continue.”

The WHO chief acknowledged the emotional pain families face during Ebola outbreaks, particularly regarding burial practices, but warned that touching bodies of Ebola victims remained a major source of transmission.

“While we grieve for those we have lost, we must do everything we can so that we do not lose another,” he said.

He praised the Congolese government, the Red Cross, Africa CDC, UNICEF, the World Food Programme and humanitarian partners supporting containment efforts in the region.

The WHO also assured that it would continue supporting DR Congo beyond the current outbreak, with plans to strengthen hospitals, laboratories, health workers and long-term healthcare services in affected communities.

“WHO will remain alongside DRC for as long as it takes. Our commitment does not end when an outbreak does.”

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