NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has called on governments and donors to speed up their support for the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The outbreak has affected six provinces and continues to place significant pressure on health services. Fletcher emphasized to UN member states that humanitarian efforts require more rapid funding and dependable access to impacted communities. The appeal arises amid ongoing challenges including thousands of infections, widespread displacement, and persistent insecurity in various regions.
By September 1, the World Health Organization reported the outbreak had surpassed 6,000 cases, with nearly 3,000 fatalities. Infections have been documented across 60 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, and Tshopo. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized it as the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history and noted its faster spread compared to previous incidents. Since the emergency was declared, Ituri has remained the primary transmission hub.
The initial detection of the outbreak occurred in May 2026, with tests confirming the presence of the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus. WHO designated it as a public health emergency of international concern. As of August 26, authorities confirmed 5,794 cases and 2,786 deaths, along with 1,293 recoveries. Teams continue to test suspected cases, conduct contact tracing, treat patients, and engage in community outreach within affected districts.
Conflict and displacement exacerbate the challenges faced by responders
The Ebola crisis is unfolding amid a broader humanitarian emergency across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fletcher noted that nearly 11 million people require humanitarian aid due to ongoing conflict, displacement, hunger, and malnutrition. Violence in eastern regions has limited access for medical and relief workers. An emergency response mechanism was activated by the United Nations on June 9, with humanitarian hubs established in Bunia and Beni to support operations nearer to the affected communities.
Healthcare workers remain among those most at risk. Fletcher highlighted that over 40 medical personnel have lost their lives to Ebola during this outbreak. Earlier figures from WHO indicated 151 confirmed infections among health and care workers by July 30, including 44 fatalities. In response, health agencies have increased infection-control measures, enhanced clinical training, and provided protective support. WHO has also identified ongoing transmission chains that remain unlinked, along with deaths occurring outside treatment facilities.
Funding requirements increase alongside vaccine development efforts
The updated 2026 humanitarian response plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo calls for $2.1 billion, with $300 million specifically allocated to Ebola-related initiatives. Fletcher urged for larger, more adaptable contributions to support both the epidemic response and broader humanitarian priorities. Separately, WHO stated that the government-led six-month Ebola plan needs $1.3 billion, covering surveillance, treatment centers, laboratories, community engagement, and other public health activities across the impacted provinces.
On September 1, WHO also revised its vaccine guidance as research continues into protection against the Bundibugyo virus. The organization clarified that current evidence does not confirm whether the licensed Ervebo vaccine provides significant protection against this Ebola strain in humans. It recommended that vaccination only proceed within research protocols until clinical trials are completed. WHO and Africa CDC are supporting Congolese authorities as teams work to detect cases, treat patients, and curb transmission across the six affected provinces.