Ebola outbreak further restricts humanitarian access in eastern Congo
Credit: NPR / Copyright: Arsène Mpiana
An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is severely disrupting humanitarian access, supply routes and emergency response efforts as health authorities contend with an ongoing armed conflict and mass displacement, according to humanitarian reports.
The outbreak, caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was declared by the World Health Organization on May 17, 2026. As of Aug. 11, authorities had reported 4,566 cases across the affected region, with 99% recorded in Congo.
The outbreak has caused 2,128 deaths, representing nearly all reported fatalities in the region, while 918 people have recovered, according to the latest figures provided in the situation report.
The health emergency has also disrupted transportation and humanitarian operations, with 14 key transit routes currently affected.
The World Health Organization has urged neighboring countries to keep borders open while strengthening health screening and surveillance. Congo revised its border measures on July 17, replacing a blanket 21-day travel restriction with a risk-based screening system.
Under the revised measures, travelers considered high risk face reinforced isolation and travel restrictions. Those considered low risk are subject to active monitoring and case-by-case clearance, while minimal-risk travelers can cross borders with standard self-monitoring.
Humanitarian agencies continue to face major logistical challenges along key corridors.
The Bukavu-Uvira-Bujumbura route remains open but dangerous because of fighting. Humanitarian workers traveling from Goma to Bukavu must cross Lake Kivu by boat before continuing overland along the RN5 highway. Advance notification is required for travel between Bukavu and Uvira because of the security situation.
Goma’s airport remains closed, while access by road to Bunia is heavily restricted. Entebbe, Uganda, has consequently become a major logistical hub for the humanitarian response.
The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service is operating essential cargo and passenger flights from Entebbe to Bunia. However, the return route from Bunia to Entebbe remains closed to humanitarian personnel, further complicating the movement of aid workers.
Humanitarian operations are being affected by both the health emergency and the conflict.
Public health measures, including screening, quarantine and disease surveillance, have slowed commercial and humanitarian traffic. At the same time, armed violence and attacks affecting humanitarian operations have contributed to border closures, blocked roads and the suspension of field activities.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the combined restrictions are limiting the delivery of medical supplies and other life-saving assistance needed to contain the outbreak and support communities affected by conflict and displacement.
