WHO chief warns travel curbs undermine Ebola fight

Unity over restrictions

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Saturday that travel restrictions imposed by multiple countries over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda risk undermining transparency in case reporting, urging nations to prioritize unity and solidarity in their response to the epidemic. Addressing a news conference in Bunia, the epicenter of the outbreak in Ituri province, Tedros said border closures could deter affected communities from reporting infections. He emphasized a collaborative approach to containment, noting that local populations must remain central to the response against the Bundibugyo strain — for which no approved vaccine currently exists.

North American and regional curbs

Canada and the United States have suspended visas and imposed travel restrictions on residents from Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, citing public health concerns. Rwanda and Uganda, which share borders with Congo, have also limited cross-border movement, with Kigali barring entry to foreign nationals who have transited through the affected nation in the preceding 30 days.

Outbreak scope and strain

At least 134 confirmed cases and 18 deaths have been recorded across Congo and Uganda since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to WHO figures released Friday. Congolese health authorities report that new suspected cases continue to emerge, with cumulative infections exceeding 1,000 across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The Bundibugyo strain circulating in these areas has no approved vaccine or treatment protocol, complicating containment efforts in the region.