AGP Executive Report

Ebola Vaccine Boost: WHO and partners are sending 70,000 doses of Merck’s Ervebo to the Republic of Congo to support the fast-growing Ebola response, including 20,000 doses for a Phase 3 trial and 50,000 for frontline and health workers, as officials report 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths (about 47.5% fatality). Outbreak Escalation: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now crossed the 5,000-case mark, with health responders warning it is spreading at an unprecedented pace and outpacing containment efforts amid insecurity, displacement, and intense population movement. WHO Warning: WHO Director-General Tedros said the epidemic is “far from being under control,” noting the risk of further spread within Congo and beyond borders, as response teams struggle to keep up with surveillance and case management. Polio Progress: WHO confirmed polio type 2 outbreaks are closed in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda after assessments showed transmission was interrupted.

Ebola Emergency: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 5,000 cases (5,021) and 2,378 deaths, with WHO chief Tedros warning it is “far from being under control” as the virus spreads faster than any previous outbreak; the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, and insecurity, displacement, attacks on health workers, unpaid strike action, and misinformation are slowing response. Frontline Strain: Reports from Ituri describe exhausted teams struggling to keep up with contact tracing while miners and other hard-to-reach groups move constantly, making it harder to spot new chains of transmission. What’s driving the numbers: Congo’s latest figures show rapid growth and a rising fatality share (now reported around 46%), with experts saying this reflects gaps in detection and access to care rather than the virus becoming more deadly overnight. Health beyond Ebola: Separate coverage highlights how other health threats (like measles and cholera) risk being neglected as resources focus on Ebola.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 5,000 infections, with government data putting cases at 5,021 and deaths at 2,378 as of Sunday. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned the epidemic is “far from being under control,” saying it’s spreading faster than any previous outbreak and that the risk of further spread remains high. Why it’s hard to stop: Response teams face insecurity, displacement, attacks on health workers, unpaid health-worker strikes, poor roads, and misinformation—while many new cases are found among people not previously monitored. Bundibugyo strain update: The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo Ebola type, with no approved vaccine or treatment; clinical trials are underway in Ituri. Health system pressure: MSF says community engagement is still limited, and fear of Ebola is keeping some people from seeking care for other illnesses. Public health ripple effects: Aid groups warn measles, cholera, and malaria may be neglected as resources focus on Ebola.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: The WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control” and is moving faster than any previous epidemic, with insecurity, displacement, and intense travel along roads, rivers, and mining routes helping it spread. Deadliest Milestone: Congo reports 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths, with 101 new cases and 33 deaths in the last 24 hours—now the country’s deadliest outbreak. Response Strain: Doctors Without Borders highlights limited community engagement, while health workers face unpaid strikes, rebel threats, bad roads, and misinformation; many new cases are found outside people already being monitored. Treatment Gap: The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, with no approved vaccine or treatment yet, though clinical trials are underway in Ituri. Health System Ripple Effects: MSF warns other illnesses like measles and cholera may be neglected as resources focus on Ebola, and fear of Ebola is keeping some people from seeking care.

Ebola Emergency in Eastern Congo: Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak has become the country’s deadliest on record, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths (up 101 cases and 33 deaths in the last 24 hours). The WHO warns the virus is spreading at an “exceptional pace,” and response teams say many new cases are being found outside people already under monitoring. Health System Strain: Doctors Without Borders highlights limited community engagement, while the response is also hit by unpaid health worker strikes, insecurity from rebel threats, hard-to-reach areas due to poor roads, and misinformation. Bundibugyo Focus: The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, with no approved vaccine or treatment yet; clinical trials are underway in Ituri. CCHF Alert (Iraq): Separately, Nineveh health authorities confirmed a new Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case, bringing Iraq’s 2026 total to 165 infections and 11 deaths.

Ebola Emergency: Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest on record, with government data putting deaths at 2,325 and confirmed cases at 4,945 after 101 new infections in the last 24 hours; the fatality rate has climbed from about 20% in early June to 46%, and WHO warns the pace could surpass the 2014–16 West Africa outbreak. Frontline Strain: Health workers say response is being outpaced by surveillance gaps, insecurity, misinformation, and unpaid staff—at one point, a treatment center in Nizi temporarily closed after a strike. Care Beyond Ebola: Aid groups warn that while Ebola dominates resources, other health threats like measles, cholera, and malaria may be neglected, and fear of Ebola is keeping people away from care. Regional Health Link: WHO also notes the outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo virus, with no approved vaccines or treatments yet, while trials are ongoing.

Ebola Emergency: Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest on record, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths, after 101 new cases and 33 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours; WHO warns the pace is so high it could surpass the 2014–16 West Africa outbreak. Health System Strain: Response teams say surveillance is lagging, with many new cases found outside people already being monitored, while health worker strikes over unpaid wages and insecurity are disrupting care and contact tracing. Community Impact: Frontline workers describe exhausted efforts to get symptomatic people into treatment and to carry out safe burials, as fear and misinformation keep some families away from services. Other Health Risks: Aid groups warn that measles, cholera and malaria may be neglected as resources shift to Ebola, and fear of Ebola is delaying treatment for other illnesses. Health & Development: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand poultry and aquaculture in the Republic of Congo, aiming to strengthen food and nutrition security and support jobs.

Ebola Update (Republic of Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak is now the deadliest in the country’s history, with confirmed cases rising to 4,945 after 101 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, and deaths reaching 2,325—surpassing the 2018–2020 toll. The case fatality rate has climbed sharply (from about 20% in early June to around 46%), with experts pointing to late detection, weaker surveillance, and limited access to care rather than a more dangerous virus. Frontline Strain: In eastern Congo, community health workers say the response is being overwhelmed as 60–70% of new cases are found among people not previously monitored, while health workers report unpaid wages for over three months and even strikes that temporarily shut treatment services. WHO Warning: The WHO says the outbreak is on track to eclipse the worst Ebola epidemic ever recorded, as it spreads faster than earlier outbreaks and outpaces contact tracing. Health System Context: Aid teams describe growing community awareness and safer burials, but insecurity, misinformation, and health worker shortages continue to slow containment. Regional Health & Development: Separately, the World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, aiming to boost jobs and food and nutrition security.

Ebola Response in Congo: In eastern Congo, health workers and community contact-tracing teams say the Ebola surge is outpacing surveillance as alerts pile up and field staff face unpaid wages and limited mobility; government figures put the outbreak at 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, with WHO warning it’s on track to become the deadliest in history. Frontline Strain: Reports from Bunia and Ituri describe exhausted staff, strikes at treatment centers, and the added challenge of the rare Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. Health System Support: The World Bank approved US$60 million to strengthen Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains—aiming to improve food and nutrition security and create jobs, including better access to feed and day-old chicks. Regional Health Diplomacy: China and the Republic of the Congo held FOCAC-related talks focused on cooperation in areas including health, agriculture, and digital development. Public Health Education: UN and Congolese police teams stepped up community prevention efforts against sexual violence in Ituri, training university students on reporting mechanisms.

Ebola Response in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast. WHO says it’s on track to become the deadliest in history, with the rare Bundibugyo virus spreading beyond known chains. Latest government figures put confirmed cases at 4,381 and deaths at 2,011, with the next 1,000 deaths reached in about three weeks. Frontline Strain: In Bunia and across affected provinces, health workers and community teams are struggling with insecurity, poor access to remote areas, and contact tracing that can’t keep up. Reports also describe community fear and misinformation, plus the emotional toll on responders. Community-Level Efforts: Canadian Red Cross teams on the ground report better awareness and more people seeking care and accepting safe burials, but cases keep rising. Health System Disruption: Health worker strikes over payment issues have also been reported, adding pressure to an already stretched response. Health Funding for Congo: Separately, the World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture sectors, aiming to strengthen food and nutrition security and create jobs.

Ebola Emergency in Eastern Congo: Congo’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is now at 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, with the death toll climbing faster than in the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak. Frontline Strain: Health workers in Ituri and beyond say contact tracing is being outpaced by insecurity, poor roads, population movement, and health-service pressure, while some communities remain hard to reach. Bunia’s Human Cost: In Bunia, Canadian Red Cross and Red Cross volunteers describe heartbreaking scenes, including families preparing “little pink coffins” for children, as awareness grows but cases keep rising. Virus Challenge: The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, even as clinical studies move forward. Health System Support: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains—aimed at improving food and nutrition security alongside jobs.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with the virus spreading faster than any previous outbreak and most cases concentrated in Ituri. Outbreak Numbers & Response Strain: Congo health authorities report 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, with the next 1,000 deaths coming far quicker than the first—while insecurity, poor roads, and health worker disruptions make it hard to reach remote communities. New Province Alarm: A motorcycle taxi driver who traveled from Haut-Uele to Bas-Uele died of Ebola, testing positive after death, raising concerns about exposure after visits to multiple clinics. Health System Support: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, aiming to improve food and nutrition security and create jobs. Public Health Capacity: WHO also notes the outbreak likely started months before it was declared, with early cases sometimes mistaken for malaria or typhoid.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with Tedros noting it is moving faster than any previous Ebola event; latest figures cited include 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths, with most cases and deaths concentrated in Ituri. Outbreak Worsens on the Ground: Congo health authorities report the death toll has crossed 2,000 and the outbreak is spreading at the fastest pace recorded, with delays tied to insecurity, poor roads, and health worker payment disruptions. Earlier Spread Confirmed: WHO says the outbreak likely began months before it was declared, with sequencing pointing to circulation since February and some early cases misread as malaria or typhoid. New Province Alarm: A fatal Ebola case linked to a motorcycle driver has been reported reaching Bas-Uele after he traveled from Haut-Uele, raising exposure concerns after visits to multiple clinics. Health System Strain: Response efforts are now shifting toward more intensive door-to-door case finding in hard-hit areas, as conventional contact tracing struggles with community transmission. Health Funding for Congo: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, aiming to improve food and nutrition security and support jobs.

Ebola in Congo: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest ever, with the virus spreading faster than previous outbreaks and deaths now surpassing 2,000 as cases surge across provinces. Outbreak timeline: WHO also reports the outbreak likely started months before it was officially declared, with early cases sometimes mistaken for malaria or typhoid. Containment strain: Health teams face major hurdles reaching remote areas, and intensified search efforts are shifting toward door-to-door case finding to find hidden infections. Health workers under pressure: Reports highlight strikes and protests by Ebola response workers over unpaid wages, adding to the strain on containment. Health system support: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, aiming to boost food and nutrition security while creating jobs. Regional health security: Congo is included in a West and Central Africa Health Security Programme financing plan to strengthen prevention and response capacities for health emergencies.

Ebola Emergency in Congo: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak began as early as February—months before the May 15 declaration—after sequencing pointed to earlier spread and some early cases were mistaken for malaria or typhoid. Deadliest Surge: Government figures report 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, with the second 1,000 deaths reached in about three weeks as teams struggle to reach remote areas amid insecurity, poor roads, and health worker work stoppages. Response Shift: Africa CDC and partners are moving from standard contact tracing to door-to-door case finding in hardest-hit zones to uncover hidden infections. Health Workforce Pressure: Health workers at the epicentre have protested unpaid wages, adding strain to containment efforts. Food & Nutrition Boost: The World Bank approved US$60 million to expand Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, aiming to cut input costs, improve access to chicks and feed, and strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure.

Ebola Emergency: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, with genetic findings pointing to spread months before the May 15 declaration; the latest government figures report 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, with the second 1,000 deaths reached in about three weeks as teams struggle to reach remote communities amid insecurity, poor roads, and health worker payment strikes. Health Workforce & Access: Health workers in the epicentre area protest unpaid wages, while WHO and partners expand case-finding beyond standard contact tracing to uncover hidden infections. Food & Nutrition Security: The World Bank approved US$60 million to strengthen Congo’s poultry and aquaculture value chains, focusing on cheaper feed and quality chicks, technical support, and climate-resilient infrastructure to boost jobs and nutrition. Public Health Education: In Ituri, UN and police partners ran awareness sessions with university students on rights and reporting mechanisms for sexual violence, aiming to reduce stigma and impunity.