The Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially declared the end of its 16th Ebola virus disease outbreak after going 42 days without a new case, marking a major milestone in public health response efforts.
The announcement was made on Monday by Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, who confirmed that all scientific indicators show the transmission chain has been fully broken. The last patient was discharged on 19 October 2025.
The outbreak, which affected the Bulape Health Zone in Kasai Province a remote community with limited road access and weak telecommunications — recorded 64 cases (53 confirmed and 11 probable) and 45 deaths.
A rapid, coordinated response by national authorities, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and multiple partners, helped halt the spread. In total, 112 WHO experts and frontline responders were deployed, and more than 150 tonnes of medical supplies were delivered to protect health workers and support treatment.
Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised the achievement, describing it as evidence of strong collaboration, community engagement, and improved outbreak readiness.
For the first time, responders deployed an innovative Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM) a specialised unit designed by WHO, the World Food Programme and partners to strengthen the safety of health workers and provide more dignified care for patients.
Vaccination also played a critical role. More than 47,500 people were vaccinated, using over 48,000 doses swiftly deployed from the Gavi-funded global stockpile. Gavi supported cold-chain logistics, delivery funding, and prepositioning of vaccine doses for rapid response.
Allyson Russell, Senior Programme Manager for Global Health Security at Gavi, said the success shows what is possible when surveillance, vaccination, contact tracing, and rapid coordination work hand-in-hand.
Challenges remained, particularly the absence of clean water at Bulape hospital. WHO and partners installed a new piped water system that will serve both the facility and surrounding communities long-term. Additional renovation and reconstruction work is ongoing to improve health system resilience.
This is the DRC’s 16th Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. Kasai Province previously experienced outbreaks in 2007 and 2008.
With the outbreak now over, the country has entered a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance. A survivor care programme supported by WHO and partners will continue to provide medical and psychosocial support to Ebola survivors.
WHO says it will keep working closely with national and provincial authorities to strengthen preparedness and ensure rapid response in the event of any flare-up.
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