The Chinese government has deployed a team of medical experts and emergency response personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to support efforts to contain a worsening Ebola outbreak that has already claimed dozens of lives and raised international concern.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria announced the deployment on its verified Facebook page on Tuesday, following the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17.
The team departed Beijing and is expected to work alongside Chinese medical personnel already in the DRC, as well as local health authorities battling the spread of the disease.
According to the embassy, the intervention underscores China’s longstanding support for African countries during public health emergencies.
“Having supported Africa through previous outbreaks in 2014, 2015 and 2018, China remains committed to standing with its African partners in times of need,” the statement said.
Chinese authorities said the team consists of specialists with extensive experience in epidemic response. Their mission will include providing technical assistance, training healthcare workers, strengthening disease surveillance, and supporting treatment and prevention efforts.
The latest outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was first confirmed in eastern Congo in mid-May. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola, making efforts to contain the virus more difficult.
The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces—regions already struggling with insecurity, displacement and weak healthcare systems. Health officials say these challenges have complicated contact tracing, treatment and public awareness campaigns.
The World Health Organisation reported that the DRC has recorded 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths, while neighbouring Uganda has confirmed 15 cases and one death linked to cross-border transmission. More than 100 suspected cases remain under investigation.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, recently visited the outbreak epicentre in Bunia, where he called for greater international assistance and stronger community involvement to help curb the spread of the disease.
Although health authorities have made progress in identifying and isolating infected persons, experts warn that the outbreak remains a major threat due to continued transmission in conflict-affected communities and the absence of an approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain.
Efforts are ongoing to prevent further spread and strengthen healthcare responses in affected areas as the international community intensifies support for the DRC.
