Ebola Cases in DRC Surpass 5,500 as Pope Leo Calls for Global Action

By David Okafor

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded 5,515 confirmed Ebola infections as of August 24, 2026, with a case fatality rate approaching 48%, according to Al Jazeera. This means nearly one in two individuals infected with the virus are dying.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC have called for urgent, community-led action to contain the outbreak, emphasizing the need for early detection, contact tracing, and faster resource delivery. As of August 9, WHO reported 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths, indicating a steadily worsening situation.

There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. However, WHO has pledged 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which may offer partial protection. Approximately 16,250 doses have been delivered to the DRC.

Pope Leo, during his Angelus address on August 24, expressed concern for the DRC and called for global action to support local communities in saving lives.