WHO Approves First Rapid Diagnostic Test for Bundibugyo Ebola Virus

The emergency approval is expected to improve early detection and outbreak response in affected regions of Africa.

The World Health Organization has granted Emergency Use Listing to the world's first rapid diagnostic test for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, marking a significant step in strengthening outbreak response efforts.

The newly approved test enables healthcare workers to identify infections more quickly in remote communities, allowing patients to receive treatment sooner while helping health authorities isolate cases before the virus spreads further.

The approval comes as Ebola outbreaks continue to affect parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring regions. WHO officials believe rapid diagnosis will play an important role in reducing transmission by shortening the time between symptom onset and laboratory confirmation.

Alongside the diagnostic approval, patient enrolment has also begun for international clinical trials aimed at identifying the first effective treatments specifically targeting Bundibugyo virus disease.

Public health experts say rapid testing remains one of the most effective tools for containing infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in areas where laboratory infrastructure is limited. The WHO continues working with governments and humanitarian organisations to expand testing capacity and strengthen disease surveillance across Africa.