Was Live | Friday, Jun 19, 2026 | 11am PST
Overview
The 2026 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda has rapidly become one of the most serious Ebola crises ever recorded. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, the outbreak has spread across multiple provinces and international borders.
As of mid-June 2026, the World Health Organization has reported nearly 700 confirmed cases and more than 130 deaths, with numbers continuing to rise.
Speakers this week will discuss the Bundibugyo Ebola virus and its rapid spread. There is currently no vaccine against Bundibugyo.
Speakers will also discuss armed conflict throughout Central Africa, and how regional warfare hampers aid efforts, including the mistrust of public healthcare settings. They will also address the misinformation stemming from the region and the African American diaspora’s response to the crisis.
Related Coverage
- Distrust, Political Violence, and False Narratives Harm Ebola Relief Efforts
- YouTube Playlist | Highlight Clips from Briefing
Guest Speakers
- Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
- Dr. Rachel Sweet, assistant professor of global affairs at the University of Notre Dame, and core faculty member of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at Notre Dame
- Pamela Asobo-Anchang, editor-in-chief and publisher, Immigrant Magazine
