A new Ebola variant declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo threatens children’s lives, World Vision warns

KINSHASA (May 18, 2026) – Global Christian humanitarian organization World Vision is deeply concerned about the spread of a new Ebola variant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and warns children are among the most vulnerable.

On May 15th, the government of the DRC declared a new Ebola outbreak in the health zones of Bunia, Mongwalu, and Rwampara in Ituri province. The initial toll, considered alarming, reports 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, including 4 confirmed positive cases. On May 17th, the World Health Organization declared the spread of the virus in DRC and Uganda a global health emergency.

This new outbreak comes amid an already fragile humanitarian situation marked by massive population displacement, persistent insecurity, and limited access to basic healthcare services. Children are among the groups most exposed to this health threat.

“Our main concern is for children, who are the most vulnerable in a region already heavily affected by conflict and where humanitarian assistance remains insufficient due to a lack of resources,” said Philippe Guiton, World Vision’s national director in the DRC.

“Drawing on our experience and working alongside all stakeholders, we are taking appropriate measures to limit the spread of this outbreak and save lives, particularly through hygiene promotion, with a special focus on areas hosting increasing numbers of internally displaced people. World Vision is working closely with health authorities to respond to this new disease. “

David Munkley, World Vision’s east zone director, also stressed the urgency of a rapid response.

“Ituri is already facing an alarming situation of acute malnutrition, which further weakens people’s immune systems, combined with extremely limited access to healthcare in remote areas,” he said. “A rapid and coordinated response will help save lives and reach the greatest number of affected people.”

World Vision does not currently have direct programs or operations in the affected area in DRC. Still, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting the response alongside health authorities and humanitarian partners, particularly in the areas of child protection, and prevention through the promotion of good hygiene practices, and infection prevention and control.

World Vision has a long history of responding to Ebola outbreaks, not only in the DRC but also in Uganda, Sierra Leone, and West Africa. During the 2018–2019 outbreak in eastern DRC, World Vision trained faith leaders and motorbike riders to deliver life-saving messages to remote communities. This approach, dubbed Channels of Hope, helped counter misinformation and stigma, building trust and resilience at the grassroots level.

World Vision also contributed to the recent response to the Ebola outbreak in Bulape in Kasai by providing support to more than 200,000 children and patients, which enabled it to respond immediately to the outbreak, which was declared over in December 2025.

As the situation in Ituri evolves, World Vision is calling for:

1. Urgent funding for frontline response: We urge donors to release emergency funds to support health workers, community mobilization, and protective equipment in Ituri and neighboring provinces and countries.
2. Strengthened regional coordination: We call on humanitarian actors and the DRC government to enhance cross-border surveillance and preparedness, especially in high-risk zones.

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.