Friday briefing: ​What do the cuts in aid mean for the fight against Ebola in the DRC?

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province is spreading rapidly, with at least 240 suspected deaths since its declaration on May 15th. The virus has also reached other DRC regions and Uganda's capital, Kampala. Health workers warn that significant cuts to humanitarian aid, initiated by former US President Donald Trump and others, have weakened the response infrastructure, making a prolonged crisis more likely. This is the first major outbreak since these aid reductions, impacting efforts to contain the virus in a challenging environment characterized by a mining hub, ongoing conflict, and overcrowded displacement camps. Frontline medical staff are facing significant risks, with several doctors and nurses having died after treating patients.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) promising that the deadly Ebola outbreak can be stopped. He is traveling to Ituri province, the center of the epidemic, and has called for a ceasefire to allow medical relief efforts to proceed unimpeded. As of May 24th, the WHO has recorded 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola deaths out of over 1,000 cases, though the actual spread is likely wider. This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, complicated by ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich region. Clinical trials for vaccines and treatments are being recommended, with a vaccine potentially ready by year-end. Neighboring Uganda has closed its border with the DRC, and the US is implementing entry restrictions and planning a treatment facility in Kenya.

Aid supplies, including masks, gloves, boots, and medications, have arrived in Bunia, Congo, the center of a rare Ebola outbreak, to support frontline workers. The European Union donated these much-needed supplies as medical personnel face shortages, community distrust, and attacks from armed groups. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General is traveling to Kinshasa to assess the situation firsthand. The Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola with no approved treatment or vaccine, has led to over 1,000 suspected cases and at least 220 deaths in Congo since May 15th, with cases also reported in Uganda. The response is hampered by logistical challenges and ongoing conflict in the region, prompting the WHO to call for a ceasefire. The United States has increased its aid to Congo and Uganda to over $112 million.

Several countries have implemented travel restrictions and enhanced screening measures in response to a rare Ebola outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organization has reported numerous confirmed and suspected deaths and cases in these nations. Canada, the Bahamas, and the US are banning arrivals from affected countries, with the US also extending restrictions to green card holders. The DRC has suspended flights to and from Bunia, while Uganda has halted direct flights and border crossings with the DRC. Jordan and Bahrain have also suspended entry from affected countries. India has increased airport screening and issued travel advisories. These measures aim to prevent the international spread of the virus, though the WHO assesses the global risk as low.

Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a period of four weeks. This action has been taken as a measure to contain an ongoing Ebola outbreak. The border closure is a preventative step implemented by Uganda to limit the potential spread of the virus from the neighboring country. The duration of this border closure is specified as four weeks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is severely hindering efforts to control an Ebola outbreak in Ituri province. Since mid-May, the DRC has recorded at least 10 confirmed Ebola deaths and 220 suspected deaths, with 900 suspected cases reported. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading in the region lacks an approved vaccine or treatment. Tedros emphasized that stopping transmission relies entirely on humanitarian access, which is compromised by armed conflict, mass displacement, and attacks on health facilities. He urged warring parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire to allow safe access for medical teams and prioritize human survival.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to combat a worsening Ebola outbreak. He described the situation as a "catastrophic collision of disease and conflict," with the outbreak in Ituri province outpacing the response. The DRC has reported 900 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, while Uganda has confirmed seven cases and one death. Uganda has closed its border with the DRC for four weeks, except for essential operations, and requires mandatory self-isolation for those entering. Ongoing conflict is hindering humanitarian access, displacing populations, and making it difficult to track cases and contain the spread. Attacks on health facilities and disputes over the handling of Ebola victims' bodies further complicate containment efforts.

Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with immediate effect due to a surge in suspected cases of a rare Ebola type. The decision, made by a local Ebola task force, goes against World Health Organization guidance and reflects growing fears of contagion in Uganda, where cases are also emerging. The Bundibugyo Ebola strain currently circulating has no approved treatments or vaccines. This measure follows an increase in Ugandan health workers exposed to the virus by Congolese patients who entered the country before the outbreak was declared on May 15. Travel across the border will be restricted to emergency cases, cargo, or security reasons, with individuals entering under these circumstances required to undergo mandatory 21-day self-isolation. In eastern Congo, suspected cases are nearing 1,000 with over 220 suspected deaths, and 101 cases have been confirmed.

The military governor of Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has warned of a potential catastrophe if the Ebola outbreak is not swiftly contained. He described the situation as a "war" with insufficient resources, citing issues like food shortages, other diseases, and overcrowding in affected areas. As of the article's reporting, there are over 900 suspected Ebola cases and 223 suspected deaths since the outbreak began on May 15th. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern, noting the outbreak may be spreading faster than anticipated and that response efforts are "playing catch-up." The virus has also spread to North and South Kivu provinces in DR Congo and to neighboring Uganda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is outpacing response efforts, posing a high risk to neighboring countries. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that operations are being scaled up but are currently insufficient. The outbreak has resulted in 220 suspected deaths, and attacks on health facilities in Ituri province, the outbreak's center, are hindering response efforts. These attacks, often motivated by demands for the bodies of Ebola victims for traditional burials, have led to patients fleeing and have complicated containment, especially in insecure regions lacking an approved vaccine. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that the current Ebola outbreak has resulted in 220 suspected deaths. He explained that delays in detecting cases have put responders in a reactive position, "playing catch-up" as the epidemic outpaces efforts. The WHO is urgently scaling up operations, and neighboring countries to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are urged to take immediate action. The outbreak's epicenter is in the DRC's Ituri province and has spread to other provinces and Uganda, where seven confirmed cases have been reported. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or treatment exists, was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO.

Suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 900, with 904 cases and 119 suspected deaths reported in the eastern part of the country. The World Health Organization assesses the outbreak as a "very high" risk for the DRC, though the global spread risk remains low. Health workers are facing significant challenges, including attacks on treatment centers and shortages of essential supplies like protective gear and testing kits. These difficulties are exacerbated by ongoing violence from armed rebel groups, displacement of populations, and reduced international aid. Authorities have implemented restrictions on gatherings and are guarding burials to prevent further transmission, as the current strain of Ebola has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Attacks on Ebola health facilities are intensifying in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to growing anger and mistrust over burial protocols. Residents have stormed health centers demanding bodies of relatives who died from Ebola, and a tent provided by Doctors Without Borders was set on fire in Mongbwalu after tensions flared during a body retrieval for burial. These clashes stem from traditional customs clashing with strict medical response measures required to prevent virus transmission, leading to fears of organ trafficking and a lack of final goodbyes. The World Health Organization warns the outbreak could worsen, with nearly 180 deaths and 800 cases recorded as of Saturday. Aid agencies report inadequate resources and a decline in international aid, straining the response efforts.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed 204 lives as of Saturday, with 867 suspected cases reported across three provinces. This marks an increase from the previous day's toll of 177 deaths from 750 suspected cases, according to the World Health Organization. The Red Cross reported three volunteer deaths in the DRC, and Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases. The article notes that high mobility and insecurity in the region are contributing to the spread of the virus. Additionally, Uganda and ten other African countries are considered at risk.

Uganda has confirmed three new cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of infections in the current outbreak to five. The newly reported cases include a driver who transported the country's first confirmed patient and a health worker who was exposed while caring for that patient. Both individuals are receiving treatment and were identified through contact tracing efforts. This update comes as the World Health Organization is revising its risk assessment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola to "very high at the national level" and "high at the regional level." The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the center of the outbreak, has recorded nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. Uganda had previously suspended public transport to the DRC after confirming two initial cases involving Congolese nationals who crossed the border.

Two Red Cross volunteers have died from suspected Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The Red Cross believes they contracted the virus before the outbreak was identified. This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which has no proven vaccine and a mortality rate of approximately one-third. Health experts emphasize that bodily fluids remain infectious after death, posing a risk through contact with deceased individuals. Neighboring Uganda has confirmed five cases, and the African Centres for Disease Control has identified ten other African countries at risk. Médecins Sans Frontières reported that an Ebola treatment tent in Mongbwalu, DR Congo, was burned, highlighting community fears and the need for engagement.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to intensified health measures along the DRC-Uganda border. The DRC has recorded nearly 750 suspected cases of the virus. These heightened health precautions are a direct response to the growing number of suspected cases in the DRC. The outbreak's impact is disrupting life in the border region. The specific timeframe of the outbreak is not provided, but the current situation necessitates these measures.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its threat assessment for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to "very high" due to its rapid spread. In just one week, suspected cases have nearly tripled to almost 750, with 177 suspected deaths. The WHO director-general described the situation as "deeply worrisome," highlighting significant community distrust and an attack on a treatment center in Ituri province as major impediments to the response. Aid cuts have also left responders with insufficient resources and staff. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccines or treatments currently exist, though scientists are exploring an antiviral drug.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is spreading rapidly, increasing the national risk assessment to "very high." As of Friday, 82 cases and seven deaths were confirmed in the DRC, with nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. The risk of regional spread remains high, while global risk is low. Neighboring Uganda has a stable situation with two confirmed cases and one death from travelers from Congo. The United Nations released $60 million to accelerate the response, and the U.S. pledged $23 million for aid and treatment clinics in both countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the public health risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to "very high" at the national level. The outbreak, centered in Ituri province, has seen 82 confirmed cases with seven confirmed deaths, alongside nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths. The provincial government in Ituri has banned public gatherings to curb the spread of the virus. This particular strain of Ebola lacks an approved vaccine or treatment, and the WHO declared it an emergency of international concern. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is deploying volunteers to combat misinformation and educate communities on protection and care.

Experts state the US is not actively combating a new Ebola outbreak in central Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, following significant cuts to global health funding and research. Hundreds of cases have been reported in the DRC since April, with deaths also occurring in Uganda. This outbreak involves a rare Bundibugyo variant of Ebola for which there is no cure or vaccine. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been dismantled, and key scientific research, including at a dedicated Ebola lab, has been canceled. US foreign assistance to the DRC and Uganda has drastically decreased. Health leaders and scientists are working to understand and contain the spread, but the US presence in these efforts is described as notably absent.

The World Health Organization declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern." This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has a fatality rate of up to 50 percent and for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The epidemic's epicenter is in DRC's Ituri province, with cases also appearing in neighboring provinces and Uganda. The outbreak has resulted in at least 131 deaths from 513 suspected cases in the DRC and one death in Uganda. While a vaccine used against the Zaire strain has shown some protection against Bundibugyo in animal studies, its efficacy in humans for this strain is not yet established.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has canceled its pre-World Cup training camp in Kinshasa due to an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country, which has caused over 130 deaths. Preparations have been relocated to Belgium. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern." The cancellation of the camp is also attributed to travel restrictions imposed by the United States, a co-host of the World Cup, which bans entry for non-Americans who have recently been in the DR Congo. Despite the camp's cancellation, the national team's pre-tournament games in Europe are still scheduled to proceed.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the World Health Organization (WHO) for being "a little late" in identifying the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This criticism comes as the US continues public health cuts, including planned layoffs across agencies like the CDC and NIH. Despite these cuts, the US has committed $13 million in aid and plans to open Ebola treatment clinics in the DRC. Experts, however, argue that blaming the WHO is misplaced given its limited resources and difficult operating environment, and that US public health infrastructure is weakened, making it less prepared for future threats. The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern," urging international coordination.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General expressed deep concern over the "scale and speed" of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, announcing an emergency committee meeting. The outbreak has resulted in over 500 suspected cases and 33 confirmed cases in the DRC, with two confirmed cases in Uganda, and a total of 131 fatalities. The WHO has approved $3.9 million in emergency funding and declared the outbreak a public health emergency. The U.S. has issued an urgent travel warning for the DRC due to the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rarer variant.

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a deadly Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, with 514 suspected cases and 136 deaths reported as of Tuesday, plus one death in neighboring Uganda. Health officials admit they were slow to detect the virus, which has less obvious symptoms than other strains, leading to delayed diagnosis and community spread. Deaths occurred without being reported, hindering early investigation and response. The outbreak has spread to North and South Kivu provinces, including urban centers like Goma, where public health measures are largely ignored due to poverty and a lack of accessible treatment centers. The Bundibugyo strain, previously rare, has not been seen in Ituri province before, complicating efforts to contain the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing a funding crisis, exacerbated by the US withdrawal in January 2025, leading to a 9% decrease in its program budget for 2026-27. This financial strain is weakening disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness efforts, as highlighted by current Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks. Experts warn that reduced funding directly impacts the WHO's ability to effectively respond to epidemics and pandemics, potentially delaying detection and slowing containment. The article also notes that the WHO is struggling to secure agreement on a pandemic treaty due to pathogen-sharing disputes. These challenges raise concerns about the world's preparedness for future global health emergencies.

Experts from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) warn that infectious disease outbreaks, such as the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, are becoming more frequent and damaging. The GPMB report indicates that pandemic risk is outpacing preparedness investments, leaving the world less resilient. Factors contributing to this trend include the climate crisis, armed conflict, geopolitical fragmentation, and commercial self-interest. Despite advancements in new technologies and billions invested in preparedness, equitable access to vaccines, tests, and treatments remains a challenge, as seen with recent mpox and COVID-19 vaccine distributions. The report emphasizes that a lack of trust and equity hinders effective solutions, urging political leaders to commit to measurable progress and finalize a pandemic agreement to ensure global health security.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is proving difficult to contain due to a rare strain and its presence in conflict-affected areas. Initial cases were reported in Ituri towns and the city of Goma, with a case also appearing in Uganda. The outbreak's slow reporting is attributed to communities initially believing the illness to be witchcraft, leading them to seek treatment from prayer centers instead of hospitals. Funerals are a particular concern, with public health campaigns providing information on safe practices. Rebel groups in Goma have stated they are forming an Ebola response team, though collaboration with the government remains uncertain. Neighboring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan are at high risk of spread, prompting the Africa CDC to discuss strengthening responses with them.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern." The outbreak, originating in eastern DRC's Ituri province, has caused nearly 90 deaths and involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which lacks an approved vaccine or treatment. The virus has spread to Uganda and reached the DRC's capital, Kinshasa, posing a high regional risk. The WHO urged neighboring countries to strengthen screening and isolation measures but advised against border closures. The declaration is the WHO's second-highest alert level, with the organization noting significant uncertainties regarding the true number of infected persons and geographic spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a global health emergency. The outbreak has resulted in approximately 246 cases and 80 deaths. The WHO advised the DRC and Uganda to establish emergency operation centers to monitor, trace, and implement infection-prevention measures. Confirmed cases should be immediately isolated and treated until negative test results are obtained. Neighboring countries are urged to enhance surveillance and health reporting. The WHO cautioned against border closures or travel restrictions, stating they lack scientific basis. Ebola, first discovered in the DRC in 1976, is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids and causes severe bleeding and organ failure.

The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa an international public health emergency. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has resulted in 80 suspected deaths, eight confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Uganda as of Saturday. This declaration follows reports of cases in multiple health zones in the DRC and two unrelated confirmed cases in Uganda involving travelers from the DRC. Unlike previous devastating Ebola strains, there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain, making the situation "extraordinary." The WHO warns of a potential larger outbreak and a public health risk to other countries, urging them to activate emergency systems and implement cross-border screening.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing a new Ebola outbreak in its northeastern Ituri province, with at least 80 deaths reported and nearly 250 suspected cases. The Bundibugyo strain, which has no vaccine or specific treatment and a lethality rate potentially reaching 50 percent, was confirmed on Friday. The outbreak began with a nurse who sought care on April 24 in Bunia, the provincial capital. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is concerned about rapid spread due to high population density and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan, where one death has also been reported. Health workers are intensifying screening and contact tracing to contain the disease.

A new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Congo's Ituri province, resulting in 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases. Health officials are investigating the specific strain, with initial tests suggesting it may not be the deadliest Ebola Zaire variant. Neighboring Uganda has reported one imported death from Congo. The outbreak is concentrated in an area near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan, raising concerns about regional spread due to travel and insecurity. The World Health Organization has deployed a response team and provided emergency funding, while Congo has stockpiles of treatments and some vaccine doses, though their effectiveness varies by strain. This marks Congo's 17th recorded Ebola outbreak.

Health officials are raising concerns about a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Africa CDC has reported 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. The outbreak is particularly worrying due to the affected area's proximity to Uganda and South Sudan and a challenging security situation caused by armed groups. Preliminary tests have detected the Ebola virus in a significant number of samples. This outbreak follows the DRC's previous Ebola episode, which ended five months ago. The Africa CDC is organizing an urgent meeting with regional health authorities and partners to bolster cross-border surveillance and response efforts, citing risks from population movement and control difficulties in the remote, poorly accessible region.

Africa's top public health body has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the remote Ituri province of Congo. The outbreak has resulted in 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, primarily in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. While four deaths are linked to laboratory-confirmed cases, further testing is underway to identify the specific strain of the virus. Preliminary results suggest it may not be the Ebola Zaire strain, which has been prevalent in past outbreaks, though sequencing is ongoing. The World Health Organization has previously noted Congo's stockpile of Ebola treatments and vaccines, though the current vaccine is effective against the Zaire strain.

An Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in 65 deaths among 246 suspected cases. The affected region borders Uganda and South Sudan, raising concerns for Africa CDC about potential further spread due to high population movement in mining towns. Early testing suggests this outbreak may be a different strain of Ebola than the Zaire strain, for which vaccines are available. The DRC has experienced numerous Ebola outbreaks since 1976. Health officials are convening an urgent meeting with neighboring countries and the World Health Organization to coordinate a rapid regional response.