World Vision Deeply Concerned by Deadly Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo’s Kasai Province
Kinshasa, 6 September 2025 — World Vision is gravely concerned by the newly confirmed Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Kasai Province, where 32 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, have been reported. The outbreak, declared in the Bulape Health Zone of Mweka territory, marks the country’s 16th recorded Ebola epidemic.
The case fatality rate currently stands at 57%, underscoring the urgency of a coordinated humanitarian response. World Vision’s team in eastern DR Congo is working with partners and the local health authorities to determine the scale of the latest outbreak.
“Ebola is a deadly disease that devastates families and communities, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of life in Kasai,” said Aline Napon, World Vision DRC National Director. “Ebola is highly contagious with potentially high fatality rates. We have done a lot of work in response to past outbreaks to limit their spread and reduce transmission. Ebola creates a great deal of fear in communities, and responding to it can be challenging for under resourced health services and community health workers.”
World Vision has a long history of responding to Ebola outbreaks, not only in DR Congo but also in Uganda, Sierra Leone, and West Africa. During the 2018–2019 outbreak in eastern DRC, World Vision trained faith leaders and motorbike riders to deliver life-saving messages to remote communities. The agency's Channels of Hope approach helped counter misinformation and stigma, building trust and resilience at the grassroots level.
In Uganda, World Vision supported the government’s response to the 2022–2023 outbreak, which was officially declared over in April 2025.
As the situation in Kasai evolves, World Vision is calling for:
Urgent funding for frontline response: We urge donors to release emergency funds to support health workers, community mobilisation, and protective equipment in Kasai and neighbouring provinces.
Strengthened regional coordination: We call on humanitarian actors and governments in the Great Lakes region to enhance cross-border surveillance and preparedness, especially in high-risk zones.
ENDS.
Notes to Editor:
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
-David Munkley, World Vision East Zone Director, David_Munkley@wvi.org, +243974053351
-Aline Napon, World Vision National Director, Aline_Napon@wvi.org, +243893221552
-Farida Eliaka, Advocacy, EE, and Communications Director, Farida_Eliaka@wvi.org, +243816500279
-Dr Bob Djuma, World Vision Response Manager, Bob_Djuma@wvi.org , +243990583514