Main content

Ebola kills at least 80 in DR Congo

Africa's top health agency declares Ebola outbreak in eastern Ituri province

The World Health Organisation has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a public health emergency of international concern. However, it said the outbreak did not meet the criteria of a pandemic. Nearly ninety deaths have been recorded so far, and medical experts have warned that the current strain of the virus has a very high mortality rate.

Also in the programme: more than 50 children kidnapped in Nigeria; and the Eurovision song contest.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Nadim Houry, the executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI), and Orysia Lutsevych deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia programme and head of the Ukraine forum at Chatham House.

(Photo: Ambulances parked at Bunia General Referral Hospital following confirmation of an Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 16, 2026. CREDIT: REUTERS/Victoire Mukenge)

25 days left to listen

54 minutes

Last on

Sunday 05:06GMT

Broadcast

  • Sunday 05:06GMT