DR Congo: UNICEF Humanitarian Situation Report No. 3 (BVD Outbreak in DRC: Regional Preparedness and Readiness in Neighboring and At-Risk Countries), Aug-Sept 2026

Please refer to the attached file. Highlights The evolving Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in DRC continues to pose a high risk of regional spread due to cross-border movement, porous borders, and humanitarian vulnerabilities, underscoring the need to sustain preparedness efforts in neighboring countries. At the time of reporting, Kenya has reported nine Ebola cases, while Nigeria confirmed an imported case, which was medically evacuated to Switzerland on 26 October, demonstrating the ongoing risk of cross-border transmission and the importance of robust preparedness systems. Uganda’s outbreak was declared over by WHO on 26 August 2026 following 42 days without a confirmed case; however, recent detections in neighboring countries highlight the need for continued vigilance and investment in readiness across the region. UNICEF continues to support governments in IPC/WASH, RCCE, emergency coordination, and preparedness at priority points of entry, including through contact tracing and community surveillance, pre-positioning essential supplies, training health workers, conducting simulation exercises, and strengthening community engagement. Cross-border preparedness remains a key regional priority, with UNICEF facilitating coordination, information sharing, preparedness reviews, and technical support among neighboring countries to strengthen operational readiness and promote a harmonized approach to outbreak prevention and response. UNICEF is appealing for US$150.8 million over six months to support the Ebola response – including US$37.4 million for preparedness and readiness activities in at-risk countries across Eastern, Southern and Western Africa. HUMANITARIAN CONTEXT SITUATION OVERVIEW The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to pose a significant regional threat. First confirmed in Ituri Province on 15 May 2026, the outbreak is unfolding in a complex humanitarian environment marked by insecurity, population displacement, fragile health services, and intense cross- border mobility. As of 30 September 2026, more than 8,224 cases and 3,982 deaths had been reported across seven provinces. Given the risk of international spread, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), while Africa CDC designated it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). In response, UNICEF activated its Level 3 Corporate Emergency Procedures to support a scaled- up regional response. While Uganda’s outbreak was officially declared over by WHO on 26 August 2026, following 42 days without a laboratory- confirmed case, the regional risk remains elevated. Uganda reported a total of 20 cases, including 15 imported from DRC and five linked secondary cases, demonstrating the continued vulnerability of neighboring countries to cross- border transmission. The outbreak has since spread beyond DRC. At the time of reporting, Kenya confirmed its first imported case of BVD on 5 October 2026 following travel from DRC through Uganda. As of 20 October 2026, Kenya had reported nine confirmed cases, including one death. UNICEF is supporting the Government- led response through RCCE, community- based surveillance, IPC/WASH, frontline preparedness, and essential supply support to strengthen contact tracing, community engagement, and outbreak containment efforts. Nigeria also reported an imported BVD case on 20 October 2026 in a traveler arriving from Uganda. The patient was subsequently medically evacuated to Switzerland on 26 October for specialized care, and no additional cases have been reported. However, public health authorities continue monitoring identified contacts and maintaining heightened surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent further transmission. These developments underscore that, despite successful containment in some countries, the risk of regional spread remains significant. Sustained investments in preparedness, surveillance, rapid response capacity, risk communication, and cross- border coordination remain critical across at- risk countries, particularly those with strong travel and trade links to DRC and affected neighboring states.

Read full story on Reliefweb