Increase support and resources for Ebola containment efforts in the DRC, including security measures for healthcare workers.
Pandemics
Pandemics Risk
Current assessment
Today's pandemic risk is high due to escalating Ebola outbreaks in the DRC, ongoing avian flu cases, and persistent misinformation affecting vaccine uptake.
May 25, 2026
Trend
Daily score history for Pandemics.
Risk Drivers
What is pushing the current reading.
The current global health landscape is marked by a significant Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is spreading rapidly amid armed conflict and attacks on healthcare facilities, complicating containment efforts. Concurrently, avian flu cases continue to emerge in both poultry and wildlife, raising concerns about zoonotic transmission. Additionally, misinformation and skepticism surrounding vaccines, exacerbated by influential public figures, hinder effective public health responses and vaccine deployment. These factors collectively elevate the pandemic risk, highlighting vulnerabilities in surveillance and public health infrastructure.
Risk Reduction Actions
Priority actions generated from the current analysis.
Enhance surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of avian flu in both domestic and wild populations.
Launch targeted campaigns to counter misinformation and improve vaccine confidence, particularly in regions with low uptake.
Provide logistical and humanitarian support to affected regions to ensure access to healthcare and essential services.
Accelerate development and deployment of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases, focusing on rapid response capabilities.
Sources Monitored
Visible feeds used in this category's nightly run.
Selected Articles
Supporting articles referenced in the latest score.
- Avian flu strikes 9 more Indiana poultry facilities Publisher: CIDRAP Avian Influenza Published March 26, 2026
- RFK Jr holding up distribution of $600 million in vaccines to foreign nations: report Publisher: CIDRAP Anti‑Science Published April 29, 2026
- Number of suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo passes 900 as health workers face attacks and shortages Publisher: The Guardian Published May 25, 2026
- Ebola outbreak in DRC is ‘spreading rapidly’ with almost 750 suspected cases: WHO chief Publisher: WWAYTV3 Published May 24, 2026
- Africa on edge as Ebola outbreak threatens 10 countries and triggers global alarm Publisher: Business Insider Africa Published May 24, 2026