The UN and its partners are sustaining efforts to contain Ebola outbreaks in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, while warning that insecurity and misinformation remain major obstacles to the response.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric gave the update at a news briefing in New York on Thursday.

Dujarric said UN agencies were supporting national health authorities in eastern DRC through Ebola treatment centres, case management, surveillance efforts, and the delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies.

According to Congolese authorities, more than 90 per cent of reported cases are concentrated in Ituri province, though infections have also been detected in North and South Kivu.

Meanwhile, in Uganda, the UN has been supporting the government-led efforts to contain the outbreak under national coordination structures.

Authorities, with technical support from WHO, are carrying out contact tracing, infection-prevention measures, and public awareness campaigns.

Uganda has expanded screening at 31 priority entry points, including Entebbe International Airport, while rapid response teams and mobile laboratories have been deployed to strengthen monitoring of travel and cross-border movement.

UN agencies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the International Organisation for Migration, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, continue to support community outreach, screening, and surveillance efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus.

In another development, refugees in Eastern and Southern Africa remain displaced for around 16 years, according to new analysis by UNCHR, the UN refugee agency, highlighting the need for stronger long-term solutions beyond emergency assistance.

Drawing on registration data from 2001 to 2025, the analysis found that 6.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers were living across the region by the end of 2025.

Many refugees had fled conflict and instability in countries including Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, seeking refuge mainly in neighbouring countries.

“Asylum saves lives, but after nearly 16 years of living in limbo, refugees need more than help; they need hope, opportunity and a way forward,” Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR regional director for Eastern and Southern Africa, said.

Children are among those most affected. Refugees registered before the age of five remain displaced for a median of more than 18 years, often spending their entire childhood and entering adulthood without a durable solution.

“No child should have to grow up with their future clouded by uncertainty,” Mr Balde said. “An entire generation of refugee children is starting their adult lives in exile.”

UNHCR warned that prolonged displacement risks creating generations dependent on humanitarian aid and called for greater support to expand opportunities for refugees to return home safely, access education and work, and rebuild their lives with dignity. 

(NAN)