Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak – Democratic Republic of the Congo
On the 16 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined the current outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo Virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Initially confined to the Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, the outbreak has now expanded to 60 health zones across six provinces (Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, and Bas-Uélé). The outbreak is now the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of 26 August 2026, a total of 5794 confirmed cases, including 2786 deaths, have been reported, corresponding to a crude case fatality ratio (CFR) of 48.1%. These figures demonstrate a substantial increase in the scale and geographic extent of the outbreak over the past three months.
The crude case fatality ratio of 48% underscores the severity of the disease and ongoing challenges related to timely case detection, access to and quality of clinical care, and effective interruption of viral transmission. Delays in recognising cases increase the likelihood of onward transmission within households, communities and healthcare facilities. The convergence of insecurity, population displacement and mobility, and cross-border movements complicate response operations and increase the risk of further geographical spread.
This collection brings together new and past SSHAP resources featuring social science insights from Ebola outbreaks – primarily concerning the Ebola-Zaire and Sudan Virus strains – in DRC, Uganda, Guinea, and elsewhere to help inform the response, across pillars, to the current outbreak.
© WHO / Joël Lumbala
Public health teams reinforce preventative measures to limit the spread of Ebola at the Rwampara
General Referral Hospital, Ituri Province, DRC, 28 May 2026.
2026 Ebola outbreak in DRC
Briefing
Key Considerations: Cross-Border Dynamics Between South Sudan and DRC in the Context of the Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak
This brief updates previous SSHAP analyses to highlight key socioeconomic and political considerations in the South Sudan–DRC borderlands that shape Ebola preparedness and response.
Briefing
Key Considerations: Cross-Border Dynamics Between Uganda and DRC in the Context of the Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak
This brief synthesises existing social and behavioural science evidence from the current and previous outbreaks on key socioeconomic and political dynamics in the Uganda-DRC borderlands.
Briefing
Recommendations: Rapid Synthesis of Social and Behavioural Science learnings on Ebola for the Bundibugyo Virus Outbreak (2026) Ituri, DRC
A rapid synthesis of lessons learned from prior Ebola social and behavioural science (SBS) research to highlight critical insights for locally adapted and contextually informed response efforts.
Briefing
Ituri Ebola Outbreak 2026 (DRC) – Summary overview of context
This note details relevant contextual factors in Ituri Province, DRC, to inform the response to the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus.
Article
Contextual Note on the Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak in Ituri (2026)
This note provides contextual background on the Ituri province, currently affected by an Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak. The note does not directly address the news and latest developments in the Ebola response, it rather presents the general context in which public…
Article
Contextual note: Funeral practices in Ituri
This note is the second produced by "the collective for Ituri", an informal network primarily driven by social scientists who provide contextual information for the response to the Bundibugyo Ebola epidemic in Ituri, eastern DRC. This note expands on the…
2025 & 2022 Ebola outbreaks in Uganda
Briefing
RCCE in the 2022 Ebola Outbreak Response in Greater Kampala, Uganda
This brief details how Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities and approaches can be adapted to reach people living in Greater Kampala to increase adoption of preventive behaviours and practices, early recognition of symptoms, care seeking and case reporting.
Briefing
Using social science in response to the 2022 Ebola outbreak in Uganda
This briefing draws on previous outbreaks to highlight how social science can make an effective contribution across the response to the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Sudan virus in Uganda.
Briefing
Cross-border dynamics between Burundi and Tanzania in the context of viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks, 2025
This brief summarises key considerations regarding cross-border dynamics between Burundi and Tanzania in the context of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) outbreaks in Tanzania and Uganda.
Briefing
Cross-Border Dynamics Between Uganda and South Sudan in the Context of the Outbreak of Ebola, 2022
This Key Considerations brief looks at cross-border dynamics between South Sudan and Uganda in the context of the 2022 outbreak of Ebola in Uganda, and the risk of the spread of the virus into South Sudan.
Briefing
Cross-Border Dynamics Between Uganda and Kenya in the Context of the Outbreak of Ebola, 2022
This brief summarises key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics between Uganda and Kenya in the context of the outbreak of Ebola (Sudan Virus Disease, SVD) in Uganda. It is part of a series focusing on at-risk border areas between Uganda and…
Briefing
Cross-Border Dynamics Between Uganda and Tanzania in the Context of the Outbreak of Ebola, 2022
This brief summarises key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics between Tanzania and Uganda in the context of the outbreak of Ebola (Sudan Virus Disease, SVD) in Uganda. It is part of a series focusing on at-risk border areas between Uganda and…
Briefing
Cross-border dynamics between Uganda and Rwanda in the context of the outbreak of Ebola, 2022
This Key Considerations brief summarises cross-border dynamics between Uganda and Rwanda in the context of the 2022 outbreak of Ebola (Sudan virus disease, SVD) in Uganda.
2021 Ebola outbreak in Guinea
Briefing
Key Considerations: 2021 Outbreak of Ebola in Guinea, the Context of N’Zérékoré
Key considerations about the social, political and economic context shaping the outbreak of Ebola in the N’Zérékoré prefecture, Guinea.
Briefing
SSHAP Roundtable: 2021 Ebola Outbreak in Guinea
Report from a virtual roundtable of expert advisors convened by SSHAP in March 2021 to discuss the outbreak of Ebola in Guinea declared February 2021.
Evidence review
Lessons Learned from 2014–2016 Ebola Outbreak in Guinea: A Review of RCCE Related Publications
A review of 46 published reports of Ebola-related activities undertaken during the 2013–2016 outbreak in Guinea
Case study
Balancing Burial Rituals with Public Health Demands During the 2014 Guinean Ebola Epidemic
Case study addressing resistance to Ebola response measures
Background report
Comparison of Social Resistance to Ebola Response in Sierra Leone and Guinea Suggests Explanations Lie in Political Configurations not Culture
Instead of looking to 'culture' to explain patterns of social resistance a comparison between Sierra Leone and Guinea suggests that explanations lie in divergent political practice and lived experiences of the state.
Briefing
Guinea: Reopening Schools Safely – Partnering with Families and Communities
After many months of prolonged closure due to fear of Ebola transmission, schools have reopened in Guinea last month. WHO and partners have played a crucial role in preparing schools to open their doors to students.
Briefing
Helping Guinean Communities Fight Ebola
Through household visits, a presence on prefecture streets and conversations with influential members of key community groups, surveillance teams are spreading the message about Ebola and providing support to families
Evidence review
Understanding Social Resistance to Ebola Response in Guinea
This paper seeks to understand the fear many Guineans feel towards Ebola response initiatives and why the educators, doctors and burial teams have sometimes encountered resistance, occasionally violent.
Evidence review
Communication with Rebellious Communities during an Outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea: An Anthropological Approach
This paper by Anoko J. N., reports on the success of a communication programme among 26 rebellious villages in Forest Guinea during fieldwork in June-July 2014.
Background report
The Social Dynamics of Infant Immunisation in Africa: Perspectives from the Republic of Guinea
Infant immunisation is currently a focus of national and global policy attention in relation to Africa as a key means to address ill-health and contribute to the Millennium Development Goals. Yet vaccination coverage is stagnant or falling in many African…
Evidence review
Understanding Social Resistance to Ebola Response in Guinea
This paper seeks to understand the fear many Guineans feel towards Ebola response initiatives and why the educators, doctors and burial teams have sometimes encountered resistance, occasionally violent.
Case study
‘Resistance’ in Guinea
The following key considerations have been collated from the suggestions and insights provided by over twenty-five anthropologists and social-behavioural scientists (based in West Africa and internationally) who answered an on-line call to provide guidance and operational recommendations in relation to…
Briefing
Emergency Ebola Anthropology Network Advisory Brief: Culture and Clinical Trials
This advisory brief aims to provide anthropologically informed guidance to governmental and humanitarian actors involved in the Ebola response at local, national and international levels, about clinical trials for Ebola treatments, therapies and vaccines.
Briefing
The significance of death, funerals and the after-life in Ebola-hit Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia: Anthropological insights into infection and social resistance
The aim of this briefing paper is to consider the various ways in which widely reported fear and resistance to the Ebola response can be understood, and what each way of understanding offers to those battling with the current epidemic.
Briefing
Regional food insecurity, work migration and roadblocks
This brief summarises some key considerations about food insecurity, the migration of men and youth for work and the implication these movements may have for the Ebola response.
Briefing
The flow of money at the community level
This brief summarises some key considerations about the flow and control of money in relation to the Ebola response.
Briefing
Burial/Other Cultural Practices and Risk of EVD Transmission in the Mano River Region
This briefing note identifies arenas of particular significance with regard to burial practices, whilst recognising that such practices are not standardised.
Case study
Les Gens du Riz (The Rice People) Kissi Funerals in the region of Guekedou and Kissidougou
This is a chapter on Kissi Funerals in the region of Guekedou and Kissidougou. Whilst this is based on fieldwork conducted in 1945-6, many of the ritual practices and meanings were current and observed in Kissi villages in 1991-3.
Briefing
Ebola and Older People in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea
The limited evidence available on age-disaggregated fatality rates of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) consistently highlights the poor survival rates of older people compared with young adults.
2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, DRC
Briefing
Ebola Preparedness and Readiness in Goma, DRC
Key considerations for Goma's local social and political structures.
Briefing
Key considerations: the context of North Kivu province, DRC
This brief summarises key considerations about the context of North Kivu province in relation to the outbreak of Ebola in the DRC, August 2018.
Briefing
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, North Kivu, DRC
Key considerations including recommendations to strengthen the mental health and psychosocial response.
Briefing
Changing Behaviours & Care-Seeking Practices in the Grand Nord, North Kivu, DRC
Key considerations and immediate recommendations related to community engagement.
Tools
Local burial and mourning practices: open-ended questions
Questionnaires for rapid quantitative surveys and qualitative appraisals of burial and funeral practices in the context of an Ebola outbreak.
Briefing
Burial, Funeral and Mourning Practices in North Kivu Province, DRC
Key socio-cultural considerations of events related to death, burial, funerals (rites or ceremonies), and mourning.
Briefing
Cross-Border Dynamics Between South Sudan and DRC
Key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics between South Sudan and DRC including borderlands and trade dynamics.
Briefing
Cross Border Dynamics: Burundi-DRC
Key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics between Burundi and DRC including politicisation and armed groups.
Briefing
Cross-Border Dynamics and Healthcare in West Nile, Uganda
Key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics and health structures and behaviours in the West Nile sub-region of north-west Uganda.
Briefing
Rwanda – DRC cross border dynamics
This Key Considerations brief concerns cross-border dynamics between Rwanda and DRC, including cross-border relations and political and economic dynamics.
Briefing
Bushmeat in the Border Areas of South Sudan and DRC
Key considerations about bushmeat (meat derived from wild animals for human consumption) in the context of preparedness activities in South Sudan.
Briefing
Uganda-DRC Cross-Border Dynamics
This brief summarises key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics between Uganda and DRC, including surveillance and community engagement.
Briefing
Politics, Factions and Violence: Listening to Local Voices on Ebola: Local Media Update
Summarising local media and messages circulating via social media outlets in February-April 2019 in the Beni and Butembo areas of North Kivu.
Briefing
Media and Local Messages on Ebola in the Grand Nord, DRC
An overview of key messages circulating on WhatsApp and in the local media in the Grand Nord in November-December 2018
Briefing
WhatsApp and Local Media (Grand Nord)
An overview of key messages circulating on WhatsApp and the local media (radio, print and video) in North Kivu in September 2018.
Briefing
Behavioural Data Compilation #1
A rapid compilation of data analyses for November 2018 in the context of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Briefing
Behavioural Data Compilation #2
A rapid compilation of data analyses for November 2018-February 2019 in the context of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Briefing
Behavioural Data Compilation #3
A rapid compilation of data analyses for February-May 2019 in the context of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Briefing
Behavioural Data Compilation #4
A rapid compilation of data analyses for June-August 2019 in the context of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Briefing
Behavioural Data Compilation #5
A rapid compilation of data analyses for September-November 2019 in the context of the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
2018 Ebola outbreak in Equateur, DRC
Briefing
The Context of Équateur Province, DRC
Key considerations about the context of Équateur Province, including climate, infrastructure and politics.
Briefing
Engaging Twa Communities in Équateur Province
Key socio-anthropological considerations regarding ‘indigenous communities’.
Briefing
Key Considerations: Health-Seeking Behaviours in Équateur Province, DRC
Key socio-cultural considerations concerning health beliefs and health-seeking behaviour.
Evidence review
Burial, Funeral and Mourning Practices in Équateur Province, DRC
Key socio-cultural considerations concerning events related to death, burial, funerals (rites or ceremonies), and mourning.
Evidence review
Socio-Cultural Considerations for Vaccine Introduction and Community Engagement
Key considerations and immediate recommendations, particularly for community engagement, in May 2018 for the Ebola outbreak in DRC.
Briefing
Note de Partage rapide de la Cellule d’Analyse Intégrées d’Ebola: Equateur 2020 (Juin a Novembre 2020)
Ce briefing passe en revue les preuves de la réponse à la dernière épidémie d'Ebola en Equateur.
Question banks and other tools
Question Bank
Tools
Viral haemorrhagic fevers question bank
This Question Bank is relevant to outbreaks where person-to-person transmission has been identified as significant to an outbreak's spread and where patient experiences must be understood for a community-centred response.
Question Bank
Tools
Questions bank for healthcare workers during infectious disease outbreaks
This question bank is a menu of qualitative questions related to healthcare workers’ knowledge, perceptions and practices during infectious disease outbreaks.
Tools
Rapid qualitative assessment training – 10 modules in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese
This training aims to contribute to more effective and community-centred responses by strengthening systems for the utilisation of community data in emergency response by ministries of health, government and partners.
Question Bank
Tools
Mpox question bank: Qualitative questions for community-level data collection
A Question Bank for use by field teams and local research teams working in communities with mpox transmission and those at risk of transmission with the aim of supporting the collection and use of consistent and high-quality social and behavioural…
Briefing
Tools
Rapid appraisal of key health-seeking behaviours in epidemics
This Practical Approaches brief looks at how to identify health-seeking behaviours
Briefing
Tools
Rapid anthropological assessments in the field
This Practical Approaches brief explores data collection methods and question modules
Briefing
Tools
Assessing key considerations for burial practices, death and mourning in epidemics
This Practical Approaches brief looks the considerations for rapidly appraising burial/funerary practices and beliefs around death/dying during an epidemic.
Briefing
Tools
Rapid remote context analysis tool (RR-CAT) in epidemics
This SSHAP Practical Approaches brief underlines key considerations when appraising the context in which an outbreak occurs.
Briefing
Tools
Taking a psychosocial approach to epidemic response
This Practical Approaches brief highlights key considerations for taking a psychosocial approach to working in the context of an epidemic.
SSHAP mpox briefings related to the DRC
Briefing
Mpox, mining, and vulnerabilities of women and children in eastern DRC
This Key Considerations brief presents considerations for contextualising and responding to the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on women and children living and working in artisanal and small-scale mining areas.
Infographic
Risk communication and community engagement for mpox vaccination in Eastern DRC
This infographic summarises insights from the SSHAP briefing 'Key Considerations: Risk Communication and Community Engagement for Mpox in Eastern DRC', presenting social and political considerations for the design and implementation of vaccination-related risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies.
Infographic
Risk communication and community engagement for mpox vaccination in Eastern DRC
This infographic summarises insights from the SSHAP briefing 'Key Considerations: Risk Communication and Community Engagement for Mpox in Eastern DRC', presenting social and political considerations for the design and implementation of vaccination-related risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies.
Report
Roundtable Report: Discussion on mpox in DRC and social science considerations for operational response
This report synthesises the discussions at a SSHAP-organised roundtable on the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo held in May 2024 to appraise the situation, with a focus on social science insights for informing context-sensitive risk communication…
Other relevant SSHAP resources
Briefing
Community-Based Surveillance in Public Health
On the 16 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined the current outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo Virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Initially confined to the…
Briefing
6 ways to incorporate social context and trust in infodemic management
This brief explains how social science can inform infodemiology by making it more attuned to different social, political and cultural contexts and to the relationships between people and formal institutions.
