The diagnostic blind spot in the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola disease outbreak: access gaps and priority actions

24 June 2026 - The 2026 Ebola disease outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, caused by Bundibugyo virus revealed a critical diagnostic blind spot in existing Ebola surveillance and testing systems. Although DRC authorities have expanded laboratory testing capacity, timely access to diagnosis continues to remain a challenge.

This technical briefer highlights these persistent gaps and calls on all stakeholders involved in this response to ensure access not only to the diagnostic tools, but also to the systems required to use them effectively.

Strengthening laboratory infrastructure, expanding the trained workforce, ensuring reliable sample transport, and delivering results quickly are just as critical as the tests themselves.

At the same time, this outbreak is a reminder that preparedness cannot begin when a crisis starts. Sustained investment in the research and development of diagnostics must continue beyond outbreak containment and alongside the establishment of open diagnostic platforms to ensure that the countries and communities most at risk are not again left without the tools they need when future outbreaks emerge.