WHO's Rapid Risk Assessment: Anthrax Threat in DRC and Uganda

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA) on June 27, 2025, concerning the anthrax threat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. This assessment evaluates the public health impact, potential geographical spread, and the capacity of local health systems to manage such outbreaks effectively. The document aims to enhance transparency and support national authorities in managing health emergencies, in alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR) provisions.

Anthrax, a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, primarily affects livestock but can also infect humans, often leading to severe health consequences. According to Dr. Emily Thompson, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, Davis, anthrax remains a significant health threat in regions where livestock farming is prevalent, particularly in Africa. "The risk of zoonotic diseases like anthrax is particularly high in areas with inadequate veterinary services and public health infrastructure," Dr. Thompson stated in her 2023 publication in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

The WHO's assessment outlines various risk factors, including the recent rise in anthrax cases linked to livestock in both nations, exacerbated by climate factors that impact animal health and migration patterns. In Uganda, for instance, recent outbreaks have been reported in regions where livestock grazing overlaps with human populations, according to a report by the Ugandan Ministry of Health published in March 2025. This situation poses immediate public health risks, particularly for communities with limited access to medical care.

In the DRC, ongoing conflicts have further complicated health responses, as noted by the WHO's regional office in Africa. "In regions affected by conflict, health system disruptions severely limit our ability to conduct effective disease surveillance and response operations," said Dr. Jean-Pierre Ndanga, WHO’s Emergency Response Coordinator for the DRC, in a statement released shortly after the RRA.

The RRA emphasizes the importance of strengthening local health capacities to manage potential outbreaks. It suggests enhanced surveillance, timely reporting, and vaccination campaigns as essential strategies. Dr. Michael O’Connell, a public health policy expert at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, remarked, "Investing in health system resilience is crucial for preventing disease outbreaks in vulnerable regions."

The WHO's assessment also highlights the role of international cooperation in managing health emergencies. "We need a coordinated global response to effectively tackle diseases that do not recognize national borders," stated Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Technical Lead on COVID-19, during a recent press briefing. This sentiment aligns with the WHO’s broader strategic goals of fostering collaboration among nations to enhance preparedness and response to health threats.

Looking forward, the implications of the RRA are significant. As climate change and socio-economic factors increasingly influence disease patterns, the need for robust health systems in the DRC and Uganda becomes paramount. Future projections indicate that without substantial investment in public health, the region may face more frequent and severe outbreaks of diseases like anthrax and others linked to livestock health. Thus, the WHO urges both local and international stakeholders to prioritize health system strengthening in their agendas, ensuring that vulnerable populations are adequately protected against emerging health threats.

In conclusion, the WHO’s Rapid Risk Assessment not only provides critical insights into the current anthrax threat in the DRC and Uganda but also serves as a call to action for enhanced public health preparedness in the face of increasing global health challenges.