On the World Health Organization Declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern — Ebola (Bundibugyo)
The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response is deeply concerned by the Ebola outbreak now declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
We commend the WHO Director-General for acting with urgency in declaring this PHEIC. His decision to proceed ahead of convening a formal Emergency Committee reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate global mobilization.
As WHO has reported, the outbreak has already claimed dozens of lives in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with cross-border spread reaching Uganda.
This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
Our thoughts are with all affected communities bearing the heaviest burden of this outbreak, and with the health workers on the front lines. It is essential that those providing care have access to the protective equipment and protocols they need to do so safely.
The world must now respond with the speed and solidarity this emergency demands — with resources, expertise, cross-border coordination, and critically, diagnostic capacity for this Bundibugyo strain deployed to where it is needed most.
The Independent Panel will be monitoring developments closely.
*Note this statement was updated at 1330 CEST on May 17 to reflect WHO’s information that a suspected case in Kinshasa had tested negative.
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About The Independent Panel
The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response was established to provide an independent review and recommendations on global pandemic preparedness and response in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-chaired by former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, the Panel continues to monitor progress and advocate for strengthened global health security.
Media Contact: Secretariat@IndependentPanel.org