Dear HIFA,
The following announcement is forwarded from our colleagues at WHO.
Title: Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease: what we know
Time and Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 13:00 – 14:00 CEST (Geneva)
Registration: https://bit.ly/49uhnTn
Webpage: WHO Health Emergencies EPI-WIN webinar: Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease: what we know
https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2026/06/09/default-calendar/...
Background
An outbreak of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus was declared on 15 May 2026 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with cross-border spread to Uganda. The World Health Organization has classified the event as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its severity and potential for international spread.
As of late May 2026, hundreds of suspected cases and confirmed infections have been reported, with transmission concentrated in eastern DRC. Challenges in contact follow-up, insecure conditions, and inadequate isolation and referral systems complicating response efforts. National authorities, in collaboration with WHO and partners, are implementing response measures including deployment of rapid response teams, delivery of medical supplies, strengthened surveillance, laboratory confirmation, infection prevention and control assessments, the set-up of safe and optimized treatment centers, and community engagement.
This webinar will explain why this outbreak is significant, WHO recommendations and the rationale behind them.
Objectives
Provide an overview of current knowledge on Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, including epidemiology, transmission, clinical features, and role of communities.
Explain available WHO guidance on this outbreak
Highlight practical information for preparedness and readiness of WHO Member States
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Welcome remarks and situation update: Marie Roseline Belizaire, Regional Emergency Director a.i., WHO Regional Office for Africa
An overview of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD): Otim Patrick Ramadan, Programme Area Manager (emergency response), Outbreak and Humanitarian Response, WHO Regional Office for Africa
Border health and points of entry: Ninglan Wang, Unit Head, Border, Mass Gatherings and Health Protection Measure, Department of Health Emergency Preparedness (HSP), WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE)
An overview of the readiness approach: Kai Von Harbou, Unit Head, Community Protection and Resilience, HSP, WHE
Interactive Q&A with speakers
Closing and next EPI-WIN: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
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HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org