Ebola epidemic response in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In late July 2026, scientists in the Democratic Republic of Congo released a study modeling future Ebola outbreak risks. The research identified ten high-risk health zones, primarily within the Ituri province, as well as hotspots in Nord-Kivu and Haut-Uélé. The study suggested that targeting surveillance and vaccine pre-positioning to these specific areas could accelerate the detection of new transmission chains. By August 2026, as the epidemic progressed, the Congolese government implemented mitigation strategies for the 2026-2027 school year. To prevent large gatherings in 18 high-risk health zones, authorities introduced a differentiated approach using a color-coded risk classification system. This strategy prioritizes distance learning through a hybrid model of radio broadcasts and printed educational booklets to ensure pedagogical continuity in areas with limited internet access. Minister of National Education Raïssa Malu, alongside the Ministers of Public Health and Communication, detailed a three-level system: green zones with no confirmed cases maintain in-person learning; orange zones with existing cases implement reinforced sanitary measures; and red zones with active transmission transition to remote learning via radio, television, and printed worksheets. Simultaneously, the Ebola response is facing significant security challenges. The Red Cross Movement has condemned a series of violent attacks against humanitarian volunteers in provinces such as Ituri and Haut-Uélé. These incidents, which have resulted in nine injuries and the burning of an ambulance, involve community-based resistance and attacks on disinfection teams. The Africa CDC has classified the outbreak as a continental health security emergency. As the school year begins, the Haut-Uélé province faces heightened vigilance due to the outbreak and local insecurity. While no general postponement has been announced, some institutions, such as the Petit Séminaire de Rungu, have suspended classes pending further guidance.