Central African Republic BVD Readiness - DREF Operation (MDRCF034)

Countries: Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Date of event 17-05-2026 What happened, where and when? Between 15 and 18 May 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by the Bundibugyo strain as a major health emergency, quickly followed by Uganda, WHO and Africa CDC. The epidemic mainly affects three provinces of the DRC, namely Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. As of June 18, 2026, a total of 33 health zones has reported confirmed cases, including: • 21 out of 36 areas (55.5%) in Ituri, • 11 out of 34 (29%) in North Kivu, and • 1 in 34 (3%) in South Kivu, thus, confirming that Ituri is the most affected province. According to WHO data as of June 18, 2026, the DRC has recorded 896 confirmed cases, including 208 deaths and 78 recoveries. A crossborder extension has also been reported in Uganda, with 19 confirmed cases, including 2 deaths and 7 recoveries. Although the Central African Republic (CAR) has not yet recorded any confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD), it is at high risk of introduction due to its proximity to affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This epidemic, which is the 17th in the DRC and the second linked to the Bundibugyo strain, is spreading to border provinces, including Haut-Uélé. The latest health information indicates a high likelihood of undetected active transmission in Haut-Uele province, which shares a direct land border with CAR. In addition, suspected cases have already been reported, including: - Report of a death following a viral hemorrhagic fever in the health zone of Libengue, province of south ubangui (Central African refugee camp in the DRC). - Report dated June 18, 2026, D of a suspected EVD case by the Chief District Medical Officer of the Yakoma health zone in the DRC bordering the Ouango Gambo Health District in CAR; Sample taken to the INRB in Kinshassa and the situation is monitored. Thus, even in the absence of a direct border with Ituri, the combination of proximity to areas of probable transmission (Haut-Uélé), significant cross-border movements, early signals (suspected cases), and limited preparedness capacities fully justifies the establishment of a preparedness DREF whose objective is to anticipate and reduce the risk of introduction and spread, in accordance with the principles of proactive emergency management. The map of risk areas, in connection with the affected provinces in the DRC, is attached to support this analysis.