NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has appealed to governments and donors to accelerate their assistance for the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The outbreak, which has now affected six provinces, continues to place immense pressure on health services. Fletcher emphasized that humanitarian teams require faster funding and dependable access to communities impacted by the crisis. The appeal comes amid reports of thousands of infections, widespread displacement, and ongoing insecurity in several regions.
According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak had surpassed 6,000 confirmed cases by September 1, with nearly 3,000 fatalities. Infection reports span 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 on record, noting that it is spreading at a rate faster than previous incidents. Since the emergency was declared, Ituri has consistently been the epicenter of transmission.
The outbreak was initially identified in May 2026, with tests confirming the presence of the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus. WHO declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern. By August 26, authorities had reported 5,794 cases and 2,786 deaths. The same update recorded 1,293 recoveries. Ongoing efforts involve testing suspected cases, contact tracing, providing treatment, and community outreach in the affected districts.
Conflict and displacement exacerbate challenges for responders
The Ebola response is occurring amidst a broader humanitarian crisis impacting the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fletcher indicated that nearly 11 million people require humanitarian aid due to conflict, displacement, hunger, and malnutrition. Violence in eastern regions has hindered access for medical personnel and relief workers. In response, the United Nations activated an emergency mechanism on June 9, establishing humanitarian hubs in Bunia and Beni to support operations nearer to communities affected by the outbreak.
Healthcare workers remain among the most vulnerable groups. Fletcher highlighted that over 40 medical personnel have lost their lives to Ebola during this outbreak. Earlier WHO data reported 151 confirmed infections among health and care workers as of July 30, including 44 deaths. In response, health agencies have ramped up infection-control protocols, clinical training, and protective support. WHO also noted ongoing transmission chains that have yet to be identified, along with fatalities occurring outside treatment centers.
Funding demands increase alongside vaccine research efforts
The updated 2026 humanitarian response plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo allocates $2.1 billion, with $300 million designated specifically for Ebola-related activities. Fletcher urged for larger, more flexible contributions to bolster both the ongoing outbreak response and broader humanitarian efforts. WHO separately indicated that the government-led six-month Ebola plan requires $1.3 billion. This funding aims to support surveillance, treatment facilities, laboratories, community engagement, and other public health initiatives across the affected provinces.
On September 1, WHO also revised its vaccine guidance as research continues on protection against the Bundibugyo virus. The organization stated that current evidence does not confirm whether the licensed Ervebo vaccine provides significant protection against this Ebola species in humans. It recommended vaccination only within the framework of research protocols during ongoing clinical trials. WHO and Africa CDC are assisting Congolese authorities as they work to detect cases, treat patients, and curb transmission across the six impacted provinces.