The Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus, declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026, continues to spread amidst armed conflict, population displacement, and food insecurity. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) update from October 8, 2026, the DRC had recorded 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 deaths as of October 6, a case fatality rate of approximately 48.2%. At that time, the outbreak was affecting 64 health zones across seven provinces. Ituri remains the epicenter, while North Kivu is also experiencing a significant rise in infections.
The crisis has now taken on a regional dimension. According to Reuters, on October 6, Kenya confirmed an imported case involving a patient who had arrived from the DRC via Uganda and died on October 5. Health authorities have initiated contact tracing operations and stepped-up surveillance measures. This development underscores the need for cross-border coordination, in line with WHO recommendations.
The World Food Programme (WFP) notes that hunger poses a major obstacle to the health response. In its report dated September 2, 2026, the organization stated that it was supporting over 68,000 displaced persons in the affected areas and had assisted nearly 480,000 food-insecure individuals in eastern DRC since the beginning of the year. The WFP also estimated funding needs at $50 million to maintain the provision of prepared meals, support quarantine measures, and extend aid to newly affected areas.
This situation must also be examined considering international law. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes the right to adequate food and health. The DRC is also a party to Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions. Article 18 of Protocol II stipulates that impartial humanitarian relief actions may be undertaken when the civilian population is suffering from undue hardship, subject to applicable legal conditions.
Furthermore, international humanitarian law prohibits the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and protects objects indispensable to their survival. In this context, Congolese authorities and armed groups must respect applicable rules, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian access. Businesses and other private actors must also respect human rights, in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and prevent or mitigate negative impacts associated with their activities.
In conclusion, the evolution of the epidemic reinforces the need for an integrated response combining medical care, nutrition, civilian protection, logistics, and humanitarian access. Congolese authorities, parties to the conflict, UN agencies, and donors should strengthen food and medical supplies, particularly in isolated areas and among displaced communities. The WFP emphasizes that food assistance contributes directly to controlling the epidemic by enabling people in quarantine and affected families to meet their essential needs without having to travel to find food. Given the rise in cases, the geographical spread of the epidemic, and the emergence of cross-border cases, sustainable funding for food and health assistance remains essential to protect civilian populations and limit the spread of the virus.
By Gael MOUTELI
