China Sends Third Ebola Team to DR Congo in Record Outbreak
China’s third batch of anti-Ebola medical experts arrived in Kinshasa on August 1, 2026, as the World Health Organization confirmed that the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the largest in the country’s history. The deployment underscores Beijing’s deepening commitment to global health security as the epidemic continues to escalate across five provinces.
A Record-Breaking Outbreak
The DR Congo Ministry of Health reported 3,674 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,621 deaths as of July 31, according to CCTV News. The WHO confirmed on August 1 that this outbreak has surpassed the country’s previous record—the August 2018 to June 2020 epidemic, which recorded approximately 3,470 cases.
The current outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has now become the world’s second-largest on record, trailing only the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic that infected 28,616 people and killed 11,310, as Al Jazeera reported. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo virus, complicating containment efforts.
China’s Escalating Medical Response
China’s third batch of experts, comprising specialists from the National Health Commission, General Administration of Customs, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and China CDC, arrived in Kinshasa on August 1. Their expertise spans epidemiology, health quarantine, clinical treatment, and pathogen laboratory testing, according to Xinhua News.
Luku Marius, a representative of the DR Congo Ministry of Health, welcomed the team at the airport, stating that the current Ebola prevention and control situation remains severe and that the arrival of the Chinese expert team will provide strong support for epidemic monitoring, case treatment, and laboratory testing.
Yang Xiaochen, leader of the third batch, said the team will build on the work of the first two batches, continue in-depth technical assistance, and deepen cooperation with DR Congo health authorities and international partners to contribute to ending the epidemic as soon as possible.
This is China’s third consecutive deployment since the outbreak began. The first batch of five experts arrived on June 2 for a three-month mission, followed by the second batch on July 3. The second batch, led by Gu Zhiqiang, focused on epidemiological investigation, laboratory testing, case treatment, infection prevention, and personnel training.
The 24th batch of the Chinese medical team in DR Congo has been on the ground since the outbreak began, implementing emergency response measures, building prevention systems, and coordinating epidemic prevention supplies.
A Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026, the first time this designation has been used for a Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak. The declaration followed confirmed cross-border transmission between DR Congo and Uganda, with two confirmed cases reported in Kampala, according to the WHO.
The outbreak has spread from its initial epicenter in the Mombwalu health zone of Ituri Province to 49 health zones across five provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo. As of July 31, 760 patients remain in isolation or hospitalization, and 666 have recovered.
The WHO assesses the domestic outbreak risk in DR Congo as “very high,” citing armed conflict, population displacement, and inadequate medical facilities in affected areas as factors increasing the risk of further spread. The WHO situation page notes that the outbreak is occurring in a challenging context of humanitarian crisis, insecurity, and high population movement.
The Fastest-Spreading Ebola Epidemic
Carl Skau, acting head of the UN World Food Programme, called it “the fastest spreading Ebola epidemic that we have ever seen,” warning that “the world needs to pay much more attention.” The Africa CDC has said it would require $1.4 billion to contain the outbreak.
Angele Gapio, head of emergencies for the Caritas charity in Bunia, told Al Jazeera that “the disease has now settled in the community. People continue to seek treatment from traditional healers, and the chain of transmission continues.”
Medical personnel are battling attacks on health facilities across eastern DR Congo, where dozens of armed groups operate, while contending with significant foreign aid cuts that have stretched resources. The WHO has warned that the true scale of the outbreak could be “at least two to four times” the reported caseload, as Xinhua English reported in July.
Broader Implications
DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has thanked China and other international partners for their support, stating that “epidemics do not respect borders; only through joint action can we effectively protect people of all countries.” The government has announced a comprehensive epidemic response plan with a budget of $319 million.
The United Nations Development Programme has warned that the outbreak could push 985,000 people into poverty, with potential economic losses of up to $3.6 billion for the African region, as China.com.cn reported.
China’s sustained medical assistance reflects a broader pattern of health diplomacy in Africa, building on its experience during the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak. The three consecutive deployments demonstrate a long-term commitment rather than a one-off gesture, positioning Beijing as a reliable partner in global health security.
What to Watch For
As the outbreak continues to spread, several factors will be critical: the success of clinical trials for candidate treatments and vaccines targeting the Bundibugyo strain, the effectiveness of community engagement in affected areas, and the ability of international partners to sustain funding and resources. With the outbreak showing no signs of slowing, the international community’s response in the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether this record-breaking epidemic can be brought under control.