WHO head: In DRC, Ebola is not the biggest problem

The World Health Organization’s director-general has expressed deep concern over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, ranking it as the third largest in history. 

In a one-on-one interview with STAT, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared insights from his recent visit to the affected regions, following the outbreak’s declaration on May 15 and its classification as a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. The two countries have reported a combined total of at least 708 confirmed cases, resulting in 141 deaths. 

WHO personnel in the DRC have encountered death threats, and the tracking of contacts remains inadequate. As of June 11, only 28.4% of known contacts had been monitored. Many locals have expressed skepticism about Ebola’s existence or downplayed its significance.

“When the community is not taking it as its priority, it’s very hard,’’ Tedros remarked during this exclusive interview. 

He recounted conversations with community leaders questioning why global attention focuses on their region only during Ebola outbreaks. With enduring conflict, mass displacement, widespread hunger, and more lethal diseases, some believe international concern is primarily driven by fear of Ebola spreading beyond the DRC.

“Ebola is a lesser evil. That’s how they put it,” Tedros stated.

While Uganda maintains political stability and has effectively managed the Ebola situation with only 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, the outbreak is rampant in northeastern DRC.

This transcript of the conversation was edited for length and clarity.

What did you hear from people on the ground in the outbreak zone in northeastern DRC?

People questioned why the focus isn’t on deaths from other health issues or armed conflict. For them, diseases like malaria and ongoing violence pose a greater threat than Ebola.

So what’s the answer, Dr. Tedros? 

The lack of peace is the primary issue. The community’s chronic struggles mean Ebola is not their priority. They are skeptical about Ebola and see it as a possible conspiracy or hoax.

There is no effective surveillance or health system, and those trained during the 2018-2020 outbreak are no longer available.

That’s what I was wondering, if there was sort of a carryover of knowledge from the 2018-2020 outbreak.

Not really. Due to ongoing conflict, people are constantly relocating, and even if there is some memory of past outbreaks, the overwhelming health problems demotivate them.

How does the world solve that? 

In discussions with leaders such as Félix Tshisekedi and Yoweri Museveni, it became clear that the people desire peace, tired of the decades-long conflict. They are impoverished, displaced, hungry, and wish to rebuild their lives.

Since January 2026, deaths from armed conflict far outnumber Ebola cases. People question why they should prioritize Ebola when other threats are more immediate.

Addressing these issues requires tackling the broader challenges.

I don’t know how one does that. 

A political solution is necessary. Without resolving ongoing conflict, improving surveillance is unlikely, and health challenges will persist.

People perceive that external help is more about preventing Ebola from spreading beyond their borders than saving local lives. They seek assistance not only for Ebola but also for broader health and humanitarian needs, including food aid.

In this part of DRC, it’s not just one armed gang, there are many. That’s going to be a major challenge, no?

Communicating with numerous armed groups is challenging. While community and political leaders may engage them, many are isolated in rural areas with limited outside communication.

So it sounds like you think this is going to be a very difficult outbreak to contain.

Indeed, I am very concerned. Contact tracing currently stands at 50% but needs to reach 95%. The virus is spreading faster than our efforts can contain it, exacerbated by community mistrust and lack of cooperation. Many people are displaced and difficult to locate.

What was your response to the people you spoke to who dismissed the importance of Ebola and the wider world’s interest in containing this outbreak?

My approach is not to dictate but to listen. These communities live with these challenges every day and know their problems and potential solutions best. My role is to listen and support based on their needs.

This approach fosters mutual understanding.

You were acknowledging their reality.

Precisely. Comprehensive solutions are needed for all their challenges.