UN chief seeks $1.1bn to fight Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for an additional $1.1 billion to support the international response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Guterres made the appeal on Thursday, warning that the humanitarian response plan is facing a serious funding gap at a time when the outbreak requires an expanded intervention.

The $2.1 billion response plan has so far secured only 48 per cent of the required funding, with the United States among the major contributors.

Guterres warned that existing resources could run out within weeks if additional funding was not secured.

“Without additional funding, vital operations will run out of money, just when they need to expand,” he said.

He appealed to donors to provide the outstanding $1.1 billion, while cautioning that further resources would likely be required as the response continues.

The outbreak has recorded more than 5,600 confirmed cases and over 2,700 deaths since it was declared on May 15, making it the largest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history.

The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo species of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no vaccines or specific treatments.

The scale of the outbreak has surpassed the DRC’s previous deadliest Ebola epidemic, recorded between 2018 and 2020. That outbreak resulted in 2,299 deaths from 3,381 confirmed cases, according to World Health Organisation figures based on Congolese data.

Health authorities and international partners are also facing challenges in controlling the latest outbreak, including resistance in some communities and refusals to undergo testing.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said such difficulties were hampering surveillance and other measures needed to contain the virus.

The World Health Organisation said efforts were ongoing to strengthen the response and reach communities affected by the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, the European Union announced on Tuesday that it would provide testing kits valued at €2.5 million, equivalent to about $2.9 million, to support the response.

The UN appeal comes as health agencies intensify efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of lives amid concerns that inadequate funding could undermine ongoing control measures.