The World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee convened on May 22 regarding the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.
Members confirmed the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
The committee issued temporary recommendations for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
A public health emergency of international concern is the WHO’s highest level of alert for cross-border disease threats.
Temporary recommendations guide travel, trade, surveillance and response measures without binding force on member states.
The Bundibugyo strain has spread in areas bordering Uganda, raising regional coordination needs.
Uganda and the DRC share population movement across frontier zones where infections can cross undetected.
The May 22 meeting followed escalating case reports from Congolese health authorities.
WHO officials said coordinated action is essential to limit further transmission.
Member states are expected to report progress on implementing the committee’s guidance.
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Sources:
https://www.who.int/news/item/22-05-2026-first-meeting-of-the-ihr-emergency-committee-regarding-the-epidemic-of-ebola-bundibugyo-virus-disease-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-uganda-2026-temporary-recommendations