DRC: Recovery of five patients brings hope in the fight against Ebola

Bunia, June 1, 2026 – “This is good news,” announced the Congolese government. Fifteen days after the official declaration of the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ministry of Health reported encouraging progress in the response. In Bunia, the provincial capital at the epicenter of the virus, five patients were declared recovered on Sunday, May 31. Four were discharged from the Bunia Evangelical Medical Center (CME), while another had already returned home.

The discharge ceremony was attended by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Dr. Mwamba Kazadi, Director-General of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), who also inaugurated the new Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia that same day.

Among the population, hope is rekindled despite daily fears.

“We are joyful to see our compatriots overcome Ebola and return to their families. We hope that this Bundibugyo strain will also be completely defeated,” said Jean de Dieu Mashauri Mwalungwe, a resident of Bunia, expressing admiration for the medical teams and the Congolese government’s efforts in combating the epidemic.

The Ministry of Health released its situation report on May 31. According to the bulletin, the disease has spread to three provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Ituri, the epicenter, remains the most affected, with 264 confirmed cases across the health zones of Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Damas, Bunia, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, and Rwampara. North Kivu has 15 confirmed cases in Butembo, Goma, Oicha, Kalunguta, Katwa, Kyondo, and Beni. South Kivu has reported 3 cases, concentrated in Miti-Murhesa.

On May 29, the Ministry had announced two recoveries and hospital discharges.

Authorities emphasize that the fight against Ebola relies on early detection of symptoms, adherence to health guidelines, and collective mobilization. A free hotline, 151, remains available to report suspected cases as part of the national “Stop Ebola” campaign.

“Faced with signs such as high fever, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Do not stay at home. Go quickly to the nearest health center or call 151 free of charge,” urged the Ministry.

Among the recovered patients is Mika Makati, a physiotherapist at the Bunia Evangelical Medical Center. On the official X account of the Ministry of Health, he shared his testimony:

“I was hospitalized for 10 days starting May 16. After examinations, I was declared positive for the virus. I was then placed under treatment and, thanks to God, subsequent tests confirmed that I was already cured.”

In the DRC, the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain was officially declared on May 15, 2026, in Ituri province. It is the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak since 1976. On May 17, WHO recognized it as a public health emergency of international concern due to its rapid spread in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and neighboring Uganda.

“Recovery from Ebola is possible thanks to timely and appropriate care,” the Ministry stated.

Jonathan Magoma