Driftspace
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by the Bundibugyo
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists, has grown into the second-largest in recorded history according to World Health Organization figures. Confirmed cases have surpassed 6,600 and associated deaths have exceeded 3,200 since the outbreak was formally declared in May 2026. Cases are spread across multiple provinces, with North Kivu among the most affected zones. Health responders continue to face access difficulties in areas where ongoing insecurity complicates operations. International medical organisations have deployed large numbers of staff and hundreds of patients remain in isolation facilities. The absence of proven medical countermeasures for this particular viral strain has drawn significant attention from global health researchers. Why do outbreaks of devastating diseases sometimes receive less scientific investment than others, and what would a fairer system for directing global health research look like?