A new Ebola outbreak has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s Ituri Province and has also seen suspected cases in neighboring Uganda, prompting global health alerts. Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization, this situation is particularly challenging as it involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently lacks an approved vaccine. The outbreak unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing conflict, widespread displacement, and severe food insecurity, further straining already fragile health systems in the region. ## The Threat of the Bundibugyo Strain The Democratic Republic of Congo officially announced its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15, 2026, after laboratory tests confirmed cases in Ituri. Unlike some other Ebola strains for which vaccines have been developed and deployed, the Bundibugyo strain presents a unique challenge due to the absence of an approved specific vaccine. This makes traditional public health measures—like rapid identification, isolation, contact tracing, and safe burial practices—even more critical for containing its spread. By May 19, authorities had reported hundreds of suspected cases, dozens of probable and confirmed infections, and a significant number of deaths. Health experts are concerned that the virus may have been circulating undetected for several weeks before the official declaration, suggesting that the true extent of its transmission could be broader than current figures indicate. ## Why This Outbreak Is a Global Concern The classification as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO underscores the potential for this outbreak to spread regionally and globally. Goma, a vital transportation hub in the DRC, has already reported suspected cases, and neighboring Uganda, which shares a bustling border, has also seen potential infections. Millions of people regularly cross this border for daily activities such as work, family visits, trade, and seeking healthcare, inadvertently increasing the risk of cross-border transmission. This high mobility, while essential for local economies and social ties, makes disease containment exceptionally difficult and requires coordinated efforts between the two nations and international partners. ## Challenges on the Ground: Conflict, Poverty, and Weak Systems The affected regions in eastern DRC are grappling with a complex humanitarian crisis. Years of armed conflict have led to massive displacement, leaving communities vulnerable with limited access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. These conditions create an environment where infectious diseases can spread rapidly and pose significant challenges to response efforts. Fragile health infrastructure, compounded by a lack of resources and trained personnel, struggles to cope with routine health demands, let alone an Ebola outbreak. The ongoing instability and lack of trust in official bodies can also hinder vital community engagement efforts, which are crucial for effective disease control. ## Understanding Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Ebola is a rare but severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. It is not airborne but spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids (such as vomit, feces, urine, saliva, sweat, semen, breast milk), or secretions of a person who is sick with or has died from Ebola. It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Symptoms typically appear suddenly after an incubation period of 2 to 21 days and can include fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and a sore throat. These are often followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Because early symptoms can mimic common illnesses like malaria or flu, rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical to prevent further spread and ensure timely medical care. ## The Crucial Role of Trust and Community Engagement Beyond medical treatment, a successful Ebola response hinges on building strong community trust. When people understand the disease, trust the information they receive, and believe in the care provided, they are more likely to seek help early, follow public health guidelines, and practice safe behaviors. Misinformation, fear, and stigma can drive people away from health facilities, leading to undetected cases and further transmission. Humanitarian organizations, like CARE, emphasize working with local leaders, women's groups, and community action cells to share accurate health information and reinforce essential hygiene practices, ensuring that messages resonate within the community. ## The Impact of Funding Shortfalls International humanitarian and global health funding cuts have significantly weakened outbreak preparedness and response capacities in the region. Dr. Amadou Bocoum, CARE country director in the DRC, highlighted that these cuts are straining already fragile health and water systems, at a time when rapid disease detection, community outreach, and hygiene access are critically important. Reduced funding means less protective equipment for frontline workers, weaker surveillance capabilities to track the virus, and fewer resources for community-based interventions. This situation creates a dangerous gap, allowing the virus to potentially spread more widely before adequate support can be mobilized, especially in crowded displacement camps where conditions are ripe for rapid transmission. ## Heightened Risks for Women and Girls Ebola outbreaks disproportionately affect women and girls. Historically, women have accounted for over half of confirmed and probable cases during previous outbreaks in the DRC. This is largely due to their traditional roles as primary caregivers within families, making them more likely to come into direct contact with sick family members. Additionally, women often participate in burial practices, which, if not conducted safely, can also increase exposure risk. Beyond direct infection, outbreaks disrupt essential services, including maternal healthcare, family planning, routine medical support, and protection services against gender-based violence. The economic fallout from an outbreak can also increase the vulnerability of women and children to exploitation and abuse, particularly in communities already suffering from conflict and displacement. ## CARE's Response and Preparedness Efforts CARE, with its extensive experience in previous Ebola responses, including the complex 2018 outbreak in North Kivu, is actively supporting preparedness efforts. Their work focuses on critical areas such as improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities; running community engagement and public information campaigns; providing infection prevention training; and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers. They also distribute 'dignity kits' for women and girls, containing essential hygiene items. In Uganda, CARE is working alongside the Ministry of Health to bolster preparedness measures, including screening at entry points, rapid response readiness, isolation planning, and public risk communication. CARE is mobilizing emergency support targeting between 500,000 and 1 million people in high-risk areas, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as health workers, displaced populations, and women and girls. They continue to monitor the situation, update safety protocols for staff, and stand ready to scale up community-based support if additional funding becomes available and is requested by government authorities. ## Moving Forward: A Coordinated and Resilient Approach Effectively addressing this Ebola outbreak requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy. This includes immediate medical response, robust surveillance, community engagement, and addressing the underlying humanitarian challenges. Strengthening local health systems, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and providing timely and accurate information are paramount. International cooperation and sustained funding are crucial to support these efforts, protect vulnerable populations, and prevent further regional and global spread of this dangerous virus. The lessons learned from previous outbreaks, combined with a focus on community trust and gender-sensitive responses, will be key to overcoming this new threat in the DRC and Uganda.