The Democratic Republic of Congo has cancelled its pre‑World Cup training camp in Kinshasa due to an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country, shifting preparations to Belgium.
Outbreak Details
The rare Bundibugyo strain has caused:
- 139 deaths out of 600 suspected cases
- Declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- No vaccine currently available, with WHO estimating up to nine months before one is ready
Football Preparations
National team spokesperson Jerry Kalemo confirmed that pre‑tournament friendlies in Europe will go ahead:
- Denmark on 3 June
- Spain on 9 June
This marks DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, making the disruption particularly significant.
Health vs. Sport
While the squad prepares abroad, Congolese authorities remain focused on containing the outbreak at home. Overcrowded hospitals and the lack of a vaccine for Bundibugyo complicate the response, leaving communities vulnerable even as the nation celebrates its football milestone.