Burundi Steps Up Ebola Preparedness Amid Ongoing Outbreak in DRC

The Government of Burundi, in collaboration with health partners, has finalized a National Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan in response to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The plan was validated on 22 May 2026, as the DRC reported over 1,000 suspected cases and 220 deaths. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine, poses a significant risk to regional transmission. The World Health Organization has recognized the outbreak as a major public health concern due to its spread in border areas. Burundi is considered a high-risk country due to its geographical proximity to the affected areas and strong social and economic links with the DRC and Uganda. The country's provinces bordering the DRC, major entry points, and urban centers receiving travelers are at heightened risk of disease importation. Preparedness efforts remain ongoing as the outbreak continues to evolve in neighboring countries.