The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Saturday arrived in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

The outbreak, which has spread across three eastern provinces, has so far recorded at least 1,077 suspected cases, including 246 deaths since it was declared on May 15.

In neighbouring Uganda, health authorities have also confirmed nine infections of the highly contagious virus, including one death, heightening regional concern over cross-border transmission.

Speaking in Bunia, Tedros called for stronger community involvement in the response, stressing that local populations remain central to containing the disease due to their understanding of local dynamics and challenges.

He said the WHO was on the ground to assess response operations, engage communities, and support efforts where gaps are identified.

Tedros, who has been in the DRC since Thursday coordinating the international response, also urged increased global funding, noting that the WHO has received only about a third of the resources required for the outbreak response.

Health officials have warned that the true extent of the outbreak may be wider than currently reported, as transmission likely began before detection and continues in hard-to-reach areas.