Officials from the World Health Organization have warned that even if the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is successfully contained, the threat of future outbreaks will remain.

Speaking to the French publication Le Point, Anne Ancia, acting WHO representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasized that Ebola Virus Disease is a zoonotic disease that circulates among wild animals and periodically spills over into human populations. According to her, people living in forested regions who regularly interact with wildlife and natural environments remain particularly vulnerable to infection.

“Even if the current epidemic is brought fully under control, the risk of re-emergence will always exist. That is why it is essential to continue public education efforts, strengthen healthcare systems, and improve epidemiological surveillance. The goal is not only to combat the current outbreak but also to prepare for future ones,” Ancia said.

She noted that several factors continue to complicate efforts to control the disease. One of the most significant challenges is public distrust, as some residents still question the existence of Ebola or view it as a fabricated threat. As a result, the WHO has focused on community engagement and awareness campaigns, favoring education and cooperation over coercive measures.

Response efforts are also being hindered by reductions in international funding and the ongoing armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The insecurity makes it difficult for healthcare teams to reach affected communities and carry out disease-control activities.

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a new Ebola outbreak on May 15. On the same day, the Ministry of Health of Uganda confirmed an imported case of the disease.

Two days later, on May 17, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

According to the latest figures released by Congolese authorities on June 14, a total of 782 Ebola cases have been recorded in the country, including 181 deaths.

The situation highlights the continuing challenge posed by zoonotic diseases, which can re-emerge even after outbreaks are controlled. Public health experts stress that long-term surveillance, rapid detection systems, community trust, and sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure remain critical to preventing future Ebola epidemics.