Kinshasa: The African Development Bank Group has announced a $13 million funding initiative to enhance the Ebola virus disease response efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Uganda. This financial assistance is aimed at controlling the outbreak and preventing the further spread of the disease in the region.
According to African Press Organization, the grants were approved to support national emergency responses following the announcement of a new Ebola outbreak in the DRC on May 15, 2026. The outbreak, centered in Ituri province, has also impacted areas such as Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongwalu. The funding package includes a $10 million grant from reallocated resources within the Bank Group's DRC portfolio, which will be managed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). An additional $3 million grant, derived from the African Development Bank's Multi-Country Emergency Assistance Project, will be overseen by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to aid DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The DRC, being the epicenter of the epidemic, is set to receive $11 million, while Uganda and South Sudan will each receive $1 million.
The Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Response Plan by the Bank Group aims to curb the virus's spread and decrease related mortality and morbidity in the most affected areas. This plan involves enhancing early case diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, public awareness, and regional coordination. Mohamed Cherif, Deputy Director General for Central Africa and DRC country manager at the African Development Bank Group, highlighted the Bank's commitment to assisting the DRC and neighboring countries in safeguarding lives and strengthening health systems. He emphasized the importance of this support in reinforcing the resilience of health systems and preventing the epidemic's escalation.
Since the outbreak's onset in May, the Ebola virus has also spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The current outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain, a highly virulent variant for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists presently.