On 17 May, the World Health Organization declared the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern following a sharp rise in suspected cases and deaths.
To date, more than 240 suspected cases and over 80 suspected deaths have been reported. The outbreak, which began in the Ituri province of the DRC, has since spread to other regions within the country and into neighbouring Uganda. According to the WHO, the high positivity rate and accelerating number of infections and fatalities suggest the potential for a significantly larger outbreak if containment measures are not strengthened.
As governments, healthcare systems and organisations monitor developments closely, concerns are mounting around cross-border transmission risks, regional preparedness, travel implications, workforce safety and the broader humanitarian impact.
In response, International SOS invites media to join an exclusive briefing with its health experts who have been tracking the outbreak since its emergence. The session will provide critical insight into the evolving situation, regional and global risk considerations, and what organisations and travellers should be aware of as the outbreak develops.
Topics will include:
- The latest developments and outbreak trajectory
- Regional and international risk implications
- Preparedness measures for organisations and travellers
- Health and workforce considerations for businesses operating in or connected to affected regions
- What this outbreak signals for global health security and response readiness
Event Speaker(s)
- Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor, Clinical Governance, International SOS
- Professor Paul Mawaw, Professor, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
International SOS experts will also be available for interviews and media commentary following the briefing.
Event details:
- Date: 20 May 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM (GMT)
