WCC NEWS: WCC deeply concerned by escalating Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern over the suffering caused by the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern, with hundreds of suspected infections and many deaths reported. Health care personnel at front line of Ebola response in Beni, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the Ebola outbreak in 2019. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 18 May 2026 “This outbreak is unfolding in contexts already burdened by poverty, fragile health systems, food insecurity, displacement, and the long-term impacts of conflict,” said Pillay. “Such socioeconomic vulnerabilities heighten exposure to disease, limit access to timely care, and undermine the ability of individuals and communities to adopt preventive measures.” Pillay affirmed that church and community leaders have a vital role as trusted neighbours: to stay alert, to follow and disseminate accurate public health guidance, and to counter misinformation with clear, compassionate, and trustworthy information that protects life. “We call on governments, international agencies, churches, and civil society to cooperate across borders, to share treatments, technologies, and financial resources so that the most affected communities are not left behind, and to ensure safe and unhindered access for health workers and humanitarian actors,” said Pillay. “We note with grave concern that, according to the WHO, there is currently no approved vaccine or therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola driving this outbreak.” Pillay urged all parties to ongoing conflicts in the region to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities, to respect international humanitarian law, and to create secure corridors for medical response, community education, and care. “The WCC calls on communities worldwide to accompany the most vulnerable—the sick and their families, health workers, displaced people, women and children at risk, and communities already scarred by violence and poverty—through persistent prayer, courageous advocacy, and concrete acts of solidarity,” said Pillay. “In this shared global responsibility, we reaffirm that solidarity must extend beyond emergency response to addressing the root causes of vulnerability, including inequality, marginalization, and lack of access to essential services, so that communities are better protected against future health crises.” Read the full statement WCC will participate in 79th World Health Assembly See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland