Funding gap and insecurity jeopardize DRC Ebola response as cases surge

Since the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak began in mid‑May 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded more than 5,600 suspected or confirmed cases and over 2,700 deaths across six provinces. The virus is adding roughly 500 new cases each week, a rate that outpaces current containment measures. In Ituri province alone, the conflict‑driven crisis has displaced about one million people, and the broader region sees more than 12 million individuals in need of humanitarian aid and protection. The epidemic has also claimed the lives of more than 40 health‑care workers, while treatment centres and ambulances have been repeatedly attacked, further hampering response efforts.

Despite the scale of the crisis, the humanitarian response is only about 48 % funded, leaving a massive financing gap. The UN Secretary‑General has appealed for an additional $1.1 billion to sustain and expand life‑saving activities, warning that existing resources would be exhausted within weeks rather than months. To date, UN agencies have mobilised 35 mobile safe‑and‑dignified burial teams, 286 community‑based teams operating in high‑risk zones, and more than 2,500 volunteers and civil‑protection personnel. The World Health Organization has deployed over 260 experts and delivered more than 330 tonnes of medical and logistical supplies, yet the shortfall threatens to halt these critical interventions.

Neighbouring countries are preparing for possible spill‑over as the outbreak threatens cross‑border movement. In Burundi, authorities have strengthened surveillance at points of entry with temperature screening and thermal scanners, while WHO and partners distribute nearly 30,000 multilingual prevention posters and update national Ebola guidelines. Uganda, where the same strain caused 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, declared the outbreak over after 42 consecutive days without a new case, having monitored more than 800 contacts. The UN’s regional plan, coordinated by IOM, covers eleven states and includes training for former combatants and briefing over 50 religious leaders in Ituri to counter misinformation and improve community detection.