Democratic Republic of the Congo Declares End to Ebola Outbreak in Kasai Province

Successful Containment of the 16th Ebola Outbreak

Kinshasa- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has officially announced the conclusion of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai Province. This declaration follows a 42-day period without any new reported cases since the last patient was discharged from the treatment center on October 19, 2025.

Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, stated, “Based on comprehensive scientific data and operational evidence confirming the interruption of virus transmission, I formally declare the end of the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC.”

Coordinated Response and Impact

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners, executed a swift and well-organized response that was crucial in halting the virus’s spread. The outbreak primarily affected the Bulape Health Zone, a remote rural area with limited access to roads and telecommunications. Throughout the outbreak, 64 cases were identified-53 confirmed and 11 probable-with 45 fatalities recorded.

To support the national efforts, WHO deployed 112 experts and frontline responders, while over 150 tonnes of medical supplies and equipment were delivered to safeguard healthcare workers and local communities.

Innovative Treatment and Vaccination Efforts

One of the outbreak’s notable advancements was the introduction of the Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM), a novel facility designed to enhance patient care and safety. Developed jointly by WHO, the World Food Programme, and other partners, the IDTM provided a safer environment for healthcare workers and offered more dignified treatment for patients.

Vaccination campaigns were pivotal in controlling the outbreak, with more than 47,500 individuals immunized. Initially, vaccination targeted contacts of confirmed Ebola cases before expanding to surrounding communities in Bulape.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, played an instrumental role by facilitating the rapid deployment of over 48,000 vaccine doses from its global stockpile. This support included prepositioning vaccines within the country, funding delivery logistics, and maintaining essential cold chain infrastructure, all in partnership with WHO and the Ministry of Health.

Statements from Key Health Leaders

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised the rapid containment, saying, “Ending this Ebola outbreak within three months is a remarkable feat. The collaboration between national authorities, healthcare workers, partners, and communities in such a remote area exemplifies effective public health action.” He added that WHO’s involvement has strengthened local health systems, including improvements in water sanitation and safer patient care, which will benefit communities long-term.

Allyson Russell, Senior Programme Manager for Global Health Security at Gavi, emphasized the importance of vaccination and coordinated response efforts: “This swift resolution highlights the power of preparedness and vaccination in combating deadly diseases. The DRC’s experience demonstrates that with timely vaccine deployment and comprehensive interventions like surveillance and case management, Ebola outbreaks can be rapidly controlled, significantly reducing illness and mortality.”

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges and Long-Term Resilience

One significant challenge during the outbreak was the lack of a reliable clean water supply at Bulape hospital, essential for clinical care. WHO and partners installed a piped water system to the hospital and public taps, ensuring ongoing access to safe water for the community. Rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts continue at the hospital and other health facilities to enhance the resilience of the local health infrastructure.

Background and Future Preparedness

This outbreak marks the 16th Ebola occurrence in the DRC since the virus was first identified in 1976. Kasai Province previously experienced outbreaks in 2007 and 2008. Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

With the outbreak officially over, surveillance efforts are transitioning from Ebola-specific monitoring to the broader Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. WHO remains engaged with national and provincial authorities to maintain vigilance and ensure rapid response capabilities in case of any resurgence.

Ongoing Surveillance and Survivor Support

The DRC has initiated a 90-day enhanced disease surveillance period to monitor for any new cases. Additionally, a survivor care program, supported by WHO and partners, is providing comprehensive post-recovery assistance to Ebola survivors, addressing both medical and psychosocial needs.

Strengthening Malawi’s Health Workforce for Universal Health Coverage by 2030

Ensuring the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and resilient primary health care (PHC) systems depends fundamentally on having a skilled, motivated, and adequately staffed health workforce capable of delivering essential health services across all care levels.

Advancing the National Health Labour Market Analysis

In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Malawi’s Ministry of Health is making significant progress toward finalizing a comprehensive national Health Labour Market Analysis (HLMA). This analysis is being aligned with methodologies used in other countries to ensure comparability and to support high-level multisectoral policy discussions aimed at improving human resources for health (HRH) planning and prioritization in Malawi.

Understanding the Health Labour Market Framework

The HLMA employs a systematic economic framework to evaluate the health workforce by analyzing the dynamic relationships between the supply of health workers, the demand for their services, the population’s health needs, and the available financial resources. This approach enables policymakers to assess the feasibility and impact of various workforce strategies, thereby enhancing governance and evidence-based decision-making in the health sector.

Progress and Challenges in Malawi’s Health Workforce

Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2030 has prioritized investments in health workforce education, recruitment, performance management, professional development, and the Human Resources Information System. These efforts have contributed to a notable increase in the health workforce, growing from 34,287 workers in 2019 to 47,555 in 2024-a remarkable 38.7% rise over six years.

Despite this encouraging growth, critical staffing shortages persist, particularly in key cadres. Nurse/Midwife Technicians face a vacancy rate of 40%, while Medical Officers and Specialists experience a 32% shortfall, and Medical Assistants are understaffed by 25%. Addressing these gaps is essential for the effective delivery of Malawi’s essential health package.

Data-Driven Workforce Planning and Policy Development

To tackle these challenges, the Ministry of Health, supported by WHO, is finalizing the HLMA, which will analyze political, economic, and training factors influencing workforce supply and demand, alongside population health needs. The evidence generated will inform long-term policies on workforce development, recruitment, and management, ensuring alignment with Malawi’s health priorities.

Capacity Building and Multisectoral Collaboration

With funding from the United Kingdom’s Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), WHO’s Africa Regional Office facilitated a reorientation workshop for a multisectoral team on HLMA methodologies, including the epidemiology-based health workforce needs assessment using the WHO AFRO HLMA Support Tool. Participants conducted a thorough analysis of Malawi’s health workforce data across all components of the Health Labour Market framework.

Preliminary Findings and Future Directions

Initial results include estimates of workforce requirements tailored to Malawi’s epidemiological profile and service delivery demands. The finalized HLMA report will present evidence-based policy questions to guide a multisectoral technical dialogue, fostering national consensus on strategic directions for health workforce planning and management.

Voices from the Field

“The Health Labour Market Analysis will provide Malawi with a robust evidence base to better understand workforce dynamics and enhance planning,” stated Mr. Duff Msukwa, Director of Human Resources for Health at the Ministry of Health. “By leveraging data-driven insights, we can more effectively align our health workforce with population needs, ensuring equitable access to quality care and advancing the goals of our Health Sector Strategic Plan III.”

A diverse multisectoral team-including representatives from government ministries, the Nurses and Midwives Council, Medical Council, Christian Health Association of Malawi, health training institutions, and professionals from 72 health occupations-participated in the HLMA data analysis and needs assessment held from November 10 to 21, 2025.

“WHO is honored to support Malawi in this comprehensive Health Labour Market Analysis, which lays the foundation for sustainable workforce planning and improved health service quality at all levels,” said Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, WHO Representative to Malawi. “This initiative addresses immediate workforce gaps while setting the stage for long-term investments that will bring Malawi closer to Universal Health Coverage and a resilient health system.”

Building a Resilient Health System for the Future

As Malawi faces ongoing workforce challenges and increasing demand for health services-including responses to health emergencies-the completion of the HLMA will equip policymakers with context-specific evidence to align workforce strategies with actual population health needs. Grounding health workforce planning in solid data reinforces Malawi’s commitment to developing a resilient, equitable health system capable of delivering UHC and ensuring health security for all citizens.

Healing Voices: A Journey Through Angola’s Fight Against Obstetric Fistula

Amid the gentle harmonies of a choir formed by hospitalized women, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, made a poignant visit to the fistula ward at Azancot de Menezes Hospital. The experience deeply touched him as he witnessed firsthand the profound challenges faced by women suffering from obstetric fistula.

The Silent Struggle of Women with Obstetric Fistula

Every step through the ward echoed the gravity of the situation and highlighted the unwavering dedication of healthcare workers striving to heal and restore dignity to women burdened by this condition. Obstetric fistula, a severe childbirth injury, paradoxically emerges from one of life’s most miraculous events: childbirth. It predominantly affects women in low-resource settings who endure prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention.

Understanding Obstetric Fistula: Causes and Consequences

Obstetric fistula occurs when prolonged pressure during labor creates an abnormal opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to uncontrollable leakage of urine or feces. While obstructed labor is the primary cause, fistulas can also result from surgical complications, sexual violence, or traumatic injuries. Globally, it is estimated that over 2 million women live with untreated fistula, with approximately 50,000 to 100,000 new cases annually, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

In Angola alone, around 20,000 women are affected, many of whom face social ostracism, abandonment by partners, and exclusion from their communities, compounding their physical suffering with emotional and psychological trauma.

Vangulula Centre: A Beacon of Hope and Renewal

Hope shines through the Vangulula Centre at Azancot de Menezes Maternity Hospital. Named after the Kimbundu word for “restoring life,” this facility, established by the Vangulula Foundation, offers more than just surgical repair. It provides comprehensive rehabilitation, social reintegration programs, and preventive education, including family planning and improved childbirth care, especially targeting rural populations where access to healthcare remains limited.

Progress and Persistent Challenges

From 2014 to 2024, the centre has successfully treated 3,195 women, boasting a remarkable 98% success rate in straightforward cases. Despite these achievements, obstacles such as the absence of a dedicated fistula operating theatre, limited funding, and a shortage of specialized medical personnel continue to hinder the pace and scale of treatment, often extending hospital stays and reducing the number of surgeries performed.

Voices of Leadership: Commitment to Dignity and Inclusion

Dr. Tedros emphasizes that “treating women with fistula is a profound humanitarian act that restores their dignity and hope.” He calls for unified efforts from governments, families, and health organizations to provide unwavering support and solidarity.

Echoing this sentiment, Angola’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, highlights that “obstetric fistula remains a significant public health challenge. Although preventable and treatable, it is still shrouded in stigma and often leads to family abandonment. This underscores the critical need for interventions that empower women and foster their social inclusion post-treatment.”

Fistula Prevention and Treatment: A Global Development Priority

Addressing obstetric fistula transcends medical care; it is intrinsically linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights, and health equity. Each woman healed represents a restored life, a renewed narrative, and a reclaimed future. Collective commitment is vital to ensure these women-symbols of resilience and the continuity of humanity-can once again embrace joy, hope, and the freedom to dream.

2025 Global One Health Day Observed in Jigjiga, Ethiopia: Fostering Collaborative Resilience

In Jigjiga, located in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, the 2025 Global One Health Day was commemorated under the theme “Enhancing One Health Partnerships for Sustainable Community Resilience.” This significant event united a diverse array of stakeholders, drawing over 100 participants from various sectors to emphasize the critical importance of integrated health approaches.

Multisectoral Gathering of Leaders and Experts

The forum featured prominent figures including H.E. Mr. Ahmed Yasin Shek Ibrahim, representing the Somali Region President’s Office; H.E. Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI); and Mr. Mohammed Ayanle Hassan, Deputy Head of the Somali Region Health Bureau. Attendees spanned federal ministries, regional agencies, academic institutions, community groups, UN bodies, donors, development partners, and civil society organizations, reflecting the broad coalition necessary for One Health success.

Key Calls to Action from WHO Ethiopia

Ms. Senait Tekeste of the World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia outlined three pivotal strategies to advance One Health initiatives:

1. Enhance cross-sector collaboration: She urged continuous coordination, transparent communication, and joint strategic planning. A priority highlighted was the adaptation of the national One Health Strategy into actionable regional frameworks, alongside bolstering surveillance systems to better anticipate and manage health emergencies.
2. Invest in interdisciplinary education and capacity development: Emphasizing the revision of curricula and training programs across human, animal, and environmental health disciplines, Ms. Tekeste stressed the necessity of knowledge exchange to curb zoonotic disease transmission and promote ecosystem health.
3. Utilize cutting-edge technologies: She advocated for integrating data streams from human and veterinary health sectors, employing advanced modeling tools to detect emerging zoonotic threats promptly and enhance response capabilities.

Leadership Perspectives on Integrated Health Security

In his keynote, Dr. Mesay Hailu highlighted the interconnected nature of contemporary health challenges, stating:

“Issues like zoonotic infections, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-induced health risks demand a unified approach. Strengthening partnerships across human, animal, and environmental health sectors is vital to cultivating resilient communities and safeguarding our shared health security.”

Supporting this vision, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Yasin Shek Ibrahim reiterated the Somali Region’s dedication to the One Health framework:

“This occasion serves as a powerful reminder to renew our joint efforts across disciplines to protect the wellbeing of our people, animals, and environment. The regional government is committed to transforming the One Health concept into tangible, impactful actions.”

Showcasing Progress and Innovations

The program included insightful addresses from government representatives, international donors, UN agencies, academic experts, and development partners. Updates on the advancements of national and regional One Health platforms were shared, with leaders affirming their resolve to embed One Health principles institutionally within the Somali Region. The event was co-hosted by WHO and financially supported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

Interactive Workshops and Community Engagement

Post-session activities featured dynamic workshops presenting exemplary practices and novel methodologies for operationalizing One Health at grassroots and regional levels. A gallery walk exhibition allowed partners and local organizations to display successful projects and collaborative frameworks, illustrating the tangible benefits of integrated health strategies.

Concluding Panel: Operationalizing One Health in Ethiopia

The day culminated with a panel discussion focused on practical steps to embed One Health approaches nationwide. Technical presentations and open forums facilitated knowledge exchange among specialists from human, animal, and environmental health sectors, fostering a shared commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s health resilience.

Looking Ahead

As zoonotic diseases continue to pose global threats-accounting for over 60% of emerging infectious diseases worldwide-Ethiopia’s proactive embrace of One Health collaboration exemplifies a forward-thinking model. By integrating expertise and resources across disciplines, the Somali Region is positioning itself to better anticipate, prevent, and respond to complex health challenges, ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of its communities and ecosystems.