In a deeply personal and emotional message to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, has urged communities in Ebola-hit Ituri province to remain united and resilient as the country battles its latest outbreak of the deadly disease.

Addressing residents directly in local languages and with visible emotion, Tedros said he was speaking not merely as a global health official, but as someone personally connected to the region after years of working alongside communities during previous Ebola outbreaks in eastern Congo.

“I want you to know that you are not alone,” he said, recalling his 14 visits to North Kivu during the devastating 2018–2020 Ebola outbreak.

Tedros described walking through cities such as Beni, Butembo, Katwa, and Goma, meeting grieving families, exhausted healthcare workers, religious leaders, traditional healers, and ordinary citizens who stood together despite violence and fear.

During those visits, local residents gave him the name “Dr Paluku,” after learning he was the firstborn in his family — a name he said he continues to carry with pride.

“It is not just a name. It is a bond,” he wrote. “This work is about people. It is about you.”

The current Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has hit Ituri province the hardest, accounting for more than 90 percent of reported cases, while smaller numbers have also emerged in North Kivu and South Kivu.

Unlike previous outbreaks caused by the Ebola Zaire strain, this virus currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, making the situation particularly challenging.

Tedros acknowledged the enormous hardships already facing the people of Ituri, including armed conflict, displacement, hunger, malaria, and insecurity.

“You are already carrying so much. And now Ebola,” he said. “It is not fair, and I will not pretend otherwise.”

Despite the crisis, the WHO chief praised the resilience and determination of Ituri’s people, describing the province as a place of vibrant commerce, entrepreneurial spirit, and communities that continue to fight for survival despite years of conflict.

He made a special appeal to young people, urging them to spread awareness about Ebola, fight misinformation, and help break the silence and fear surrounding the disease.

“Your voice carries further than you know, and we need it now more than ever,” he said.

Tedros also paid tribute to healthcare workers risking their lives on the frontlines of the outbreak response.

“You are the backbone of this response,” he told medical teams. “Without you, none of this is possible.”

At the same time, he warned that the ongoing conflict and insecurity in parts of eastern Congo remain one of the biggest obstacles to controlling the outbreak, making it difficult to reach affected communities and protect health workers.

In one of the strongest parts of his message, Tedros issued a direct appeal to armed groups in the region to declare a ceasefire so medical teams can safely access vulnerable populations.

“People are dying from Ebola who do not have to die,” he said. “No conflict is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease.”

He also openly acknowledged that mistrust toward authorities and international organizations exists in some communities and admitted that public trust must be earned through listening and respectful engagement.

While emphasizing that no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist for Bundibugyo Ebola, Tedros stressed that early supportive care, rapid detection, contact tracing, safe burials, and community cooperation can still save lives.

“If you or someone you know falls ill, please do not wait,” he urged. “Coming forward early can make the difference between life and death.”

WHO, together with the Congolese government and international partners, is currently coordinating efforts to contain the outbreak and strengthen emergency response systems on the ground.

Tedros announced that he would soon travel personally to Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, to meet communities, health workers, and local leaders.

“I will not be managing this from a comfortable office far away,” he said.

The WHO chief reminded residents that this marks Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak — and that the country has overcome every previous outbreak through courage, solidarity, and resilience.

“My brothers and sisters of Ituri, the world is watching your courage,” he said. “Together, we will overcome this outbreak, as you have overcome every challenge before.”

Ending the letter with warmth and solidarity, Tedros signed off not only with his official title, but with the name given to him by the people of eastern Congo years ago — “Paluku.”