About this episode
The episode explores the recurring nature of Ebola outbreaks and the challenges in treating and containing the virus.
In May 2026, the World Health Organization declared an Ebola outbreak in western Africa a public health emergency of international concern. Within days, hundreds of cases had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising fears that the virus could spread further across the region. Ebola has been causing outbreaks for nearly 50 years, but despite advances in vaccines and treatments, the disease continues to return. But why is it so difficult to treat and contain? This week on The Inquiry, we’re asking: “Why does Ebola keep coming back?” Contributors: Syra Madad, infectious disease epidemiologist at the Harvard Belfer Centre, US Hypolite Muhindo Mavoko, professor of tropical medicine at the University of Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo Amanda Rojek associate professor of health emergencies at the University of Oxford, UK Julienne Anoko, risk communication and community engagement officer at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Kenya Presenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Matt Toulson Researcher: Amelia Cox Editor: Tom Bigwood Technical producer: Nicky Edwards Production management: Phoebe Lomas and Liam Morrey (Photo: Ebola awareness banner…
People in this episode
Host: Tanya Beckett
Guests: Syra Madad, Hypolite Muhindo Mavoko, Amanda Rojek, Julienne Anoko
Topics covered
- Ebola
- public health
- outbreaks
- disease control
- vaccines
- tropical medicine
Keywords
- Ebola
- outbreak
- public health emergency
- vaccines
- treatment
- epidemiology
- tropical medicine
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: World Health Organization
Places: Democratic Republic of Congo
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