Beyond Ebola, the DRC continues to confront cholera, mpox, and security challenges in the eastern region from the M23 rebel group.

The Democratic Republic of Congo declared the end of its 16th Ebola outbreak, after reporting 53 confirmed cases, 43 deaths, and 11 probable cases, with no new confirmed infections for 45 consecutive days.

The outbreak began in Bulape, Kasai province, spread to several localities, and marked Kasai’s seventh outbreak and the first in 18 years.

It started in mid-August when a pregnant woman was admitted to hospital, and the outbreak was officially declared in early September.

The World Health Organization faced challenges delivering vaccines due to limited access and scarce funds, though containment was achieved in about three months.

WHO’s Africa regional director praised the rapid response and called the three‑month containment a remarkable achievement.

Frontline health workers and international partners navigated early vaccine delivery hurdles but ultimately contributed to containment within three months.

A revamped national surveillance system was crucial for quickly mapping affected areas and guiding the response to stop transmission.

The response included establishing a new Ebola treatment facility and ongoing efforts to manage other health threats like cholera and mpox.

Vaccination campaigns reached over 27,000 people, including about 4,000 frontline workers, helping to curb the outbreak.

Health Minister Roger Kamba credited vaccination efforts, noting the vaccination scale as a key factor in controlling the outbreak.

Over 47,500 people were vaccinated during the response, supported by health workers and WHO coordination.

The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision dispatched 45,000 additional Ebola vaccine doses to Congo to bolster the response.

Vaccination campaigns began mid-September with support from global stockpiles coordinated by IGVC, including newly approved doses for shipment.

Authorities announced no new Kasai Ebola cases since late September, with the last patient discharged in October, triggering a 90‑day enhanced surveillance period.