Story perspectives

WHO Declares Ebola PHEIC, Victor Atallah Elected President

5/20/2026

Summary

WHO Declares Ebola Emergency

WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 18, 2026.
Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam was elected president of the Assembly.
Delegates from the Dutch Kingdom, European Union, Spain, Australia, Rwanda, Curaçao and Africa CDC held a discussion on the Ebola outbreak, calling for stronger cooperation and sustainable financing.

Summary

**WHO Funds Response**

Bahrain suspended entry from South Sudan, the DRC and Uganda for 30 days.
Singapore’s health agency required 21-day self-monitoring for visitors from the affected regions.
The United States screened flights from the outbreak area and halted visa services for recent travelers.
Germany prepared to treat a U.S. citizen infected with Ebola in the DRC.
WHO and Africa CDC released $3.9 million and allocated KES 1.3 billion weekly for emergency response and field teams.

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WHO Declares Ebola Emergency

WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 18, 2026.
Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam was elected president of the Assembly.
Delegates from the Dutch Kingdom, European Union, Spain, Australia, Rwanda, Curaçao and Africa CDC held a discussion on the Ebola outbreak, calling for stronger cooperation and sustainable financing.

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