The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has formally declared the 16th Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province over, marking a major public health milestone after 42 days passed without any new cases.
The last patient was discharged on October 19, 2025, confirming that transmission in the remote Bulape Health Zone had been successfully halted.
The outbreak, which recorded 64 cases—53 confirmed and 11 probable—and 45 deaths, posed significant logistical challenges due to poor roads and weak communication networks.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, mounted a rapid response that contained the virus within three months.
Over 112 WHO experts and frontline responders were deployed, alongside 150 tonnes of medical supplies to strengthen infection prevention, case management, and community protection.
A new approach in treatment facilities, the Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM), was introduced to provide safer and more dignified care for patients while protecting health workers.
Vaccination played a critical role, with more than 47,500 people immunized, beginning with contacts of confirmed cases and expanding to surrounding communities.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, facilitated the rapid deployment of over 48,000 vaccine doses from its global stockpile.
Additional support addressed long-term health needs in Bulape, including installation of a piped water system at the local hospital and rehabilitation of health facilities to strengthen resilience against future outbreaks.
Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, formally declared the outbreak over, citing scientific and operational evidence that the virus’s transmission chain had been broken.
Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised the achievement, noting the speed and unity of national authorities, frontline health workers, partners, and communities in containing Ebola in one of the country’s most hard-to-reach areas.
