Kathmandu. The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a $518 million regional plan to strengthen preparedness and control of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The scheme will be implemented from June to November 2026.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that Ebola control depends not only on a medical response, but also on political commitment, sustainable financing, and active community involvement. The plan, developed by Africa CDC and WHO in collaboration with partner organizations, focuses on pandemic prevention, early detection and treatment capacity.

In a message posted on X, he stressed the need to build trust with local communities, mobilize frontline health workers and strengthen prevention measures to control Ebola. He also said that the death rate could be reduced if the infected people were brought to the treatment on time.

Tedros also said he had a detailed discussion with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi about the recent Ebola outbreak in the Bundibugyo region. The meeting reviewed the progress of expansion of treatment services, increasing diagnostic capacity and improvement of health infrastructure. According to him, some patients have already returned home after recovery. This indicates that early treatment will be effective. He stressed the need to continue other health and humanitarian services along with controlling the pandemic.

The WHO chief called on the international community to coordinate and warned that unnecessary restrictions on travel or trade could hamper relief and treatment efforts. Ebola is a serious viral hemorrhagic fever. It can be particularly spread by the Bundibugyo strain and is considered vulnerable due to its high mortality rate. So far, there is no fully approved vaccine or specific treatment against this strain.