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 disease has affected six provinces and continues to challenge health systems. Fletcher emphasized the need for quicker funding and dependable access to impacted communities. The appeal coincides with the surge in infections, displacement, and ongoing insecurity in several regions.
The World Health Organization reported that by September 1, the outbreak had surpassed 6,000 cases and nearly 3,000 fatalities. Infections have been confirmed in sixty health zones spanning Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, and Tshopo. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized this as the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record and noted it is spreading more rapidly than previous episodes. Since its onset, Ituri remains the primary transmission hotspot.
The outbreak was initially identified in May 2026, with tests revealing the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain. WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern. As of August 26, official figures confirmed 5,794 cases and 2,786 deaths, with 1,293 recoveries also reported. Response efforts continue with testing, contact tracing, patient treatment, and community outreach in affected districts.
Conflict and displacement escalate challenges for responders
The Ebola crisis is unfolding amid a broader humanitarian emergency in DRC. Fletcher stated that nearly 11 million people require aid due to ongoing conflict, displacement, hunger, and malnutrition. Violence in the eastern regions hampers access for medical and relief workers. The United Nations activated an emergency response mechanism on June 9, with humanitarian hubs in Bunia and Beni supporting operations closer to outbreak-affected communities.
Health workers are among the most vulnerable, with Fletcher noting over 40 healthcare personnel have died from Ebola during this outbreak. WHO data showed 151 confirmed infections among health and care workers by July 30, including 44 fatalities. Enhanced infection control, clinical training, and protective equipment are now in use. WHO also reports ongoing transmission chains that remain unidentified, along with deaths occurring outside treatment centers.
Funding demands grow alongside vaccine research efforts
The updated 2026 humanitarian response plan for DRC estimates a need of $2.1 billion, with $300 million earmarked for Ebola-specific activities. Fletcher urged for increased and more adaptable funding to support both the outbreak response and wider humanitarian initiatives. WHO separately states that the government-led six-month Ebola plan requires $1.3 billion, covering surveillance, treatment facilities, laboratories, community engagement, and other public health measures across the affected provinces.
Additionally, WHO revised its vaccine guidance on September 1 as research continues into protection against the Bundibugyo virus. The organization clarified that there is currently no conclusive evidence that the licensed Ervebo vaccine offers significant protection against this particular Ebola strain in humans. Vaccination should only be conducted within research protocols during ongoing clinical trials. WHO and Africa CDC are collaborating with Congolese authorities to enhance case detection, patient treatment, and transmission reduction efforts in the six affected provinces.