From the global Blue Community World Council of Churches WCC:
Statement on the escalating Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.
The World Council of Churches is deeply concerned by the suffering caused by the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern, with hundreds of suspected infections and many deaths reported.
This outbreak is unfolding in contexts already burdened by poverty, fragile health systems, food insecurity, displacement and the long-term impacts of conflict. Such socio-economic vulnerabilities heighten exposure to disease, limit access to timely care, and undermine the ability of individuals and communities to adopt preventive measures. These conditions not only accelerate the spread of Ebola but also increase the risk of wider epidemics and future pandemics, reminding us that health crises are deeply intertwined with issues of justice, equity and human dignity.
In this time of fear and uncertainty, we affirm that church and community leaders have a vital role as trusted neighbours: to stay alert, to follow and disseminate accurate public health guidance, and to counter misinformation with clear, compassionate and trustworthy information that protects life.
We call on governments, international agencies, churches and civil society to cooperate across borders, to share treatments, technologies and financial resources so that the most affected communities are not left behind, and to ensure safe and unhindered access for health workers and humanitarian actors. We note with grave concern that, according to the WHO, there is currently no approved vaccine or therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola driving this outbreak. In this context, it is imperative to strengthen preventive measures and to intensify efforts to develop effective therapies and vaccines that are timely, affordable and accessible to all.
We further urge that investments in outbreak response be matched by sustained commitments to strengthen primary health care, disease surveillance systems, and community-based health education, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas.
We therefore urge all parties to ongoing conflicts in the region to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities, to respect international humanitarian law, and to create secure corridors for medical response, community education and care, recognising that peace and health are inseparably linked.
The WCC calls on communities worldwide to accompany the most vulnerable—the sick and their families, health workers, displaced people, women and children at risk, and communities already scarred by violence and poverty—through persistent prayer, courageous advocacy and concrete acts of solidarity.
In this shared global responsibility, we reaffirm that solidarity must extend beyond emergency response to addressing the root causes of vulnerability, including inequality, marginalization and lack of access to essential services, so that communities are better protected against future health crises.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
