NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has called on governments and donors to speed up their backing for the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The outbreak has expanded across six provinces, continuing to overburden health systems, as Fletcher emphasized that humanitarian teams require quicker funding and dependable access to affected communities. This plea comes amid thousands of infections, widespread displacement, and ongoing insecurity in several regions.
According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak had surpassed 6,000 reported cases by September 1, with nearly 3,000 fatalities. Infections have been confirmed in sixty health zones across 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 ever documented and noted its faster spread compared to previous outbreaks. Since the emergency was declared, Ituri has remained the primary transmission hub.
The outbreak was first identified in May 2026, with tests revealing the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. WHO designated the situation as a public health emergency of international concern. By August 26, authorities reported 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths, with 1,293 recoveries also recorded in the same update. Response teams are actively testing suspected cases, tracing contacts, providing treatment, and conducting community outreach in affected districts.
Escalating conflict and displacement burden responders
Amid a broader humanitarian crisis across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Fletcher stated nearly 11 million people require humanitarian aid due to conflict, displacement, hunger, and malnutrition. Violence in eastern regions has hampered access for medical personnel and aid workers. The United Nations activated an emergency response mechanism on June 9, with humanitarian hubs in Bunia and Beni supporting efforts closer to communities impacted by the outbreak.
Health workers are among those most exposed, with Fletcher noting that over 40 healthcare workers have died from Ebola during this outbreak. Earlier WHO data indicated 151 confirmed infections among health and care personnel by July 30, including 44 fatalities. Increased infection-control protocols, clinical training, and protective measures are in place, although WHO has also identified ongoing transmission chains and deaths outside treatment facilities.
Funding gaps grow with vaccine efforts
The updated 2026 humanitarian response plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo estimates a need for $2.1 billion, with $300 million earmarked for Ebola-related activities. Fletcher urged for larger and more adaptable contributions to support both the outbreak response and broader humanitarian needs. Separately, WHO announced that the government-led six-month Ebola plan requires $1.3 billion, covering surveillance, treatment centers, laboratories, community engagement, and other public health initiatives across affected regions.
On September 1, WHO also revised its vaccine recommendations as research continues into protection against the Bundibugyo virus. The organization stated that current evidence does not confirm whether the licensed Ervebo vaccine offers significant protection against this Ebola species in humans. It advised that vaccination should only be administered within research protocols while ongoing clinical trials proceed. WHO and Africa CDC are assisting Congolese authorities as teams work to identify cases, treat patients, and curb transmission across the six affected provinces.