Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached file. Situation overview The outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by WHO on 17 May 2026 under the International Health Regulations (2005), following confirmed cross-border transmission. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC. Latest epidemiological updates are available in WHO’s External Situation Report. WHO continues to advise general travel and trade restrictions. Border closures have been implemented at some border crossings between DRC and neighboring countries, while humanitarian, emergency, cargo and other authorized movements are approved to continue. Given the elevated regional risk, WHO has prioritized countries for readiness and response: DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda (Priority 1), and Angola, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Republic of Congo, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia (Priority 2). IOM’S PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE EFFORTS IOM’s response continues to focus on strengthening preparedness and response at borders and in areas of high population mobility, including health screening at priority points of entry, surveillance to monitor, detect and report new cases and risk communication and community engagement to help communities reduce risk and better protect themselves. Insecurity continued cross-border movement and strained conditions in displacement settings, particularly in eastern DRC, continue to increase the risk of regional spread and complicate surveillance and response. To reinforce surge capacity, during the reporting period, IOM deployed emergency health personnel and accelerated staffing, procurement, logistics and field coordination in high-risk locations. Regional displacement tracking matrix (DTM) and data teams continued to support mobility analysis, dashboards and weekly reporting to inform outbreak analysis and partner coordination. Population Mobility Monitoring IOM expanded population mobility mapping and analysis in affected and at-risk countries to support preparedness, surveillance, and cross-border response to BVD. Mobility and DTM data helped identify priority entry points, high-risk routes, and vulnerable locations, informing public health measures and operational planning across Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan. Point of Entry Response, Disease Surveillance and Infection Prevention and Control IOM supported preparedness and surveillance activities at points of entry across multiple countries, including screening, infrastructure strengthening, infection prevention and control, community-based surveillance, and cross-border coordination. Uganda: IOM carried out flow monitoring and screening support at several border and airport entry points, while strengthening community-based surveillance and reporting systems in four high-risk districts. South Sudan: IOM supported surveillance and IPC activities at five entry points, including assessments, screening, community-based surveillance, reporting, and donation of IPC supplies to Juba International Airport. Burundi: IOM conducted capacity assessments at border locations with DRC and planned training for frontline health personnel and community health workers. Rwanda: IOM upgraded PoE infrastructure and equipment, strengthened surveillance systems, and supported simulation exercises and IPC readiness activities with the Rwanda Biomedical Center. Resource Needs: Significant funding gaps are constraining the scale-up of operations. Priority needs include community-based surveillance, risk communication, mental health and psychosocial support, IPC and WASH, logistics, staffing, and mobility monitoring.