Thursday, 12 November 2026, 12:00 – 13:00 (CET)
Background
Since the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BVD) was declared in May 2026, it has become the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As of 31 October 2026, a total of 10,467 confirmed cases and 5,103 deaths had been reported across 67 health zones in eight provinces, with the outbreak surpassing the 10,000-case mark. The outbreak has also been designated a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), reflecting its regional and international implications. While transmission is slowing in some areas, new hotspots continue to emerge, including in settings affected by insecurity and population displacement. The outbreak remains large, complex and geographically widespread, and continues to pose significant national, regional and global public health challenges.
Recent developments have underscored the growing risk of cross-border spread and the importance of preparedness across the region and beyond. Since the declaration of the outbreak, cases have been reported in five countries: the DRC, Uganda, France, Kenya, and Nigeria. In October 2026, Kenya reported its first imported case, followed by eight epidemiologically linked secondary cases, while Nigeria confirmed an imported case in Abuja, becoming the fifth country affected during the current outbreak.
At the same time, important advances have been made in outbreak response, including the launch of clinical trials for therapeutics and vaccine candidates. These developments highlight both the progress being made and the continued need for vigilance, coordinated preparedness, cross-border collaboration, community engagement and readiness measures to prevent further spread and mitigate impact.
As part of its mandate to share evidence-based information with a broad range of stakeholders, the WHO Health Emergencies Information Network for Epidemics (EPI-WIN) webinar will therefore provide an update on the current BVD situation, highlight progress in clinical trials for therapeutics and vaccine candidates, and discuss actions being taken to strengthen readiness at global, regional and country levels. The webinar will offer participants an opportunity to hear directly from technical experts and engage in a discussion on key public health considerations.
Objectives
The objectives of the webinar :
- Provide an overview of the current global and regional BVD epidemiological situation.
- Present updates on vaccine availability, deployment strategies and rollout efforts.
- Highlight preparedness and readiness activities being undertaken by WHO, partners and countries.
- Identify key challenges, lessons learned and priorities for strengthening response efforts.
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction of EPI-WIN, housekeeping and slido: Dr Supriya Bezbaruah, Lead, EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO headquarters
Welcome remarks: Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE)
Global overview of the current BVD situation and epidemiological trends: Dr Zyleen Kassamali, Epidemiologist (Acute events), WHO Health Emergencies Programme
Health operations update: response achievements, emerging challenges, operational priorities, and preparedness actions: Dr Patrick Otim Ramadan, Programme Area Manager (emergency response), Outbreak and Humanitarian Response, WHO Regional Office for Africa
Progress in clinical trials of therapeutics and candidate vaccines: Dr Meg Doherty, Director Science for Health, WHO headquarters (TBC) and country speaker (TBC)
Q&A
Closing and next webinar: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO headquarters
Registration