WHO Adds First Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Diagnostic Test to EUL

The World Health Organization (WHO) added the first molecular diagnostic test for Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) to its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) on May 29, 2026. This test identifies the virus's genetic material in blood samples, enabling rapid and accurate confirmation of infection. The EUL procedure evaluates the quality, safety, and performance of essential health products, ensuring they meet international standards and serve the needs of low- and middle-income countries.

This initiative aims to expedite access to reliable diagnostic tools for early case detection, timely clinical care, disease surveillance, and effective outbreak response. The EUL also assists United Nations procurement agencies and governments in making informed decisions regarding the acquisition and deployment of these products during public health emergencies. Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data, emphasized that timely access to quality-assured diagnostic tests is crucial for containing transmission during fast-moving outbreaks.

On May 17, 2026, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared a public health emergency of international concern due to an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, with cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Less than two weeks after this declaration, the WHO initiated a call for manufacturers of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) for Bundibugyo virus to submit their applications for evaluation.