Updated 25/05/2026
The World Health Organization has determined that the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda presents a high risk at regional and national levels, but does not currently constitute a global public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), according to the UN health agency chief on Wednesday.
High regional risk demands vigilant containment
The WHO has not triggered a global emergency declaration, with the UN health agency chief stating that while the risk is high at regional and national levels, it does not represent a global pandemic emergency. The regional designation reflects the elevated threat to neighbouring countries in Central and East Africa.
The distinction between regional and global risk classification affects public health strategy. A regional emergency designation differs from a PHEIC designation in its scope and international response requirements.
Containment efforts and vaccination
The availability of Ebola vaccines has improved outbreak containment prospects compared to previous outbreaks when no licensed vaccines existed. See our Clinical Updates section for more on vaccine-driven control strategies.
Why regional, not global, emergency status?
The WHO’s assessment reflects the current epidemiological situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, as stated by the UN health agency. The designation stops short of a PHEIC based on the WHO’s evaluation.
This approach underscores the importance of global health surveillance systems in distinguishing between different types of outbreak threats.
The deadly Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda does not represent a global pandemic emergency, although the risk is high at a regional and national level.
— UN health agency chief, May 2026
Key takeaways
- Two countries (DRC and Uganda) are currently affected according to WHO assessment.
- WHO has determined the outbreak presents high risk at regional and national levels but does not constitute a global public health emergency.
- The UN health agency chief made the determination on Wednesday.
- Regional risk designation differs from global pandemic emergency status.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a regional emergency and a global pandemic emergency?
A regional emergency designation means the outbreak poses high risk within specific geographic areas, while a global public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) represents a broader international threat requiring coordinated global response.
Are Ebola vaccines available?
Ebola vaccines are available and have improved containment prospects compared to previous outbreaks when no licensed vaccines existed.
The WHO continues to assess the situation in the DRC and Uganda as it develops.
Source: WHO: Ebola risk is high inside DR Congo but it’s no pandemic emergency
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