NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has appealed for immediate international assistance as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo spreads across six provinces. Fletcher informed UN member states that the epidemic is advancing faster than previous Ebola outbreaks. He called on governments and donors to boost funding and improve access for humanitarian efforts. This appeal comes as health teams battle increasing infections, insecurity, and immense pressure on medical services in eastern and northern regions of the country.
On September 1, the World Health Organization announced that the outbreak had surpassed 6,000 reported cases, with nearly 3,000 fatalities. The epidemic now impacts 60 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, and Tshopo provinces. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus identified it as the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history and the fastest spread on record. Ituri remains the primary transmission hub, accounting for most cases since the outbreak started.
The virus involved is the Bundibugyo species of Ebola. The outbreak was first detected in May 2026. WHO stated that this situation remains a public health emergency of international concern. As of August 26, 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths had been reported in the DRC, before the total crossed 6,000. By that date, 1,293 recoveries had also been documented. Authorities continue surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, clinical care, and community engagement throughout the affected areas.
Conflict and fragile health systems hinder Ebola response
The Ebola crisis coincides with a broader humanitarian emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fletcher highlighted that nearly 11 million people need aid due to conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Violence in eastern DRC has hampered access for health and relief workers. The United Nations has ramped up its response since activating an emergency mechanism on June 9. Operational humanitarian hubs now operate in Bunia and Beni to support field efforts.
Medical personnel on the front lines face significant risks. Fletcher reported that more than 40 healthcare workers have died from Ebola. Health facilities and ambulances have also been targeted in attacks. WHO data up to July 30 recorded 151 confirmed infections among health workers, including 44 deaths. Infection prevention, safe clinical procedures, and increased protection for responders remain priorities. WHO also notes that unlinked transmission chains and deaths outside treatment centres continue to complicate containment efforts.
Funding boosts and vaccine development accelerate amid rising cases
The updated 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the DRC calls for $2.1 billion, with $300 million allocated to Ebola efforts. Fletcher urged for more flexible and increased international funding for both the response and broader humanitarian activities. Separately, WHO has stated that a government-led six-month Ebola response plan needs $1.3 billion. The organization has called on member states to speed up their contributions to support expanded surveillance, treatment facilities, laboratory work, community outreach, and other health initiatives.
On September 1, WHO also released new guidance on vaccines as scientists explore options against the Bundibugyo virus. Evidence is still insufficient to confirm if the licensed Ervebo vaccine offers significant protection against this Ebola strain in humans. WHO recommends using the vaccine only within research protocols until more data emerges. The agency and Africa CDC continue supporting the Congolese government’s efforts to identify cases, break transmission chains, and safeguard communities in the six affected provinces.