The visit comes as Ebola spreads rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Ituri province has been hardest hit. More than 1,000 suspected cases and at least 246 deaths have been recorded since mid-May, though the true toll may be higher.

Conflict and resistance from communities — including attacks on treatment centers — are slowing containment efforts. Officials say local engagement, contact tracing, and isolation are key to stopping the spread of the virus, which has crossed the border into Uganda.