DR Congo: 2026 Ebola Outbreak: Mobility and Health System Vulnerabilities in Eastern DRC and Bordering Areas | Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Sudan (29 May 2026)

Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Uganda Source: REACH Initiative Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages • Historical mobility data1 from the DRC shows that five provinces not currently classified as high-risk – Haut-Uele, Tshopo, Bas-Uele, Maniema, and Tanganyika as well as Health Zones in the greater Nord and Sud Kivu Provinces – maintain regular population exchange with areas where cases have since been confirmed. Assuming mobility patterns did not change during the period of undetected transmission, these areas should also be considered for surveillance, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and preparedness activities. • The DRC-Uganda border sustains dense economic and social ties that drive daily movement on both sides. Experience from past outbreaks shows that restrictions on formal crossings tend to shift movement toward informal and unmonitored routes, reducing transmission visibility, increasing protection risks, and adding significant stress to the livelihoods of border communities. As of 29 May, the border between DRC and Uganda is closed to all civilian traffic. • Yambio and Morobo in South Sudan are key areas receiving direct and indirect arrivals from DRC due to small trade activities, family movements, and healthcare seeking behaviors. Health system capacity in both counties is limited, with high rates of unmet healthcare needs which may impact timeliness of case identification in the community

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