Message by the WHO Director-General to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros expressed solidarity with DR Congo amid Ebola’s resurgence in Ituri, recalling his 14 visits during the 2018-2020 outbreak and emphasizing past lessons like community trust and health worker protection. Over 90% of current cases are in Ituri, underscoring urgent WHO support and coordinated action.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General has issued a personal message to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressing solidarity amid the resurgence of Ebola in Ituri province. In a heartfelt appeal, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the deep ties he shares with communities affected by the disease, recalling his repeated visits to the region during the devastating 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak, when he traveled to North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri a total of fourteen times. “I am not writing to you as an official,” he stated, “but as someone who has walked your streets, met your families, and seen the courage of your people firsthand.”
Dr Tedros recounted the extraordinary resilience of Congolese communities, health workers, and leaders who confronted immense challenges—including armed conflict, displacement, and targeted attacks on clinics—while battling the virus. He shared how local leaders gave him the name *Dr Paluku*, symbolizing the bond formed through shared struggle and mutual respect. “That kind of courage is something I will never forget,” he said, reflecting on the dedication of frontline workers who operated under constant threat, often while gunfire echoed nearby. The Director-General also acknowledged the mistrust that deepened during the crisis, noting how targeted violence against health facilities delayed containment efforts. Yet, he emphasized, trust began to grow when communities felt heard and respected—a lesson he urged be applied in the current outbreak.
With Ebola once again posing a grave threat, particularly in Ituri, Dr Tedros reaffirmed the WHO’s commitment to supporting the response. More than 90% of the cases are now concentrated in the province, underscoring the urgency of coordinated action. He stressed that the lessons from the past—prioritizing community engagement, protecting health workers, and ensuring supplies reach those in need—remain critical. “The challenges of that time are not so different from what you are facing today,” he said, urging solidarity and collective effort. The Director-General’s message served as both a tribute to past resilience and a call to action for the communities now grappling with renewed danger.
