US Provides Additional $267 Million to Help DR Congo Fight Ebola Outbreak

 

The United States compassionately announced an additional $267 million in emergency assistance on September 24, 2026, to help combat the devastating Ebola epidemic affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), bringing the total U.S. commitment to outbreak response efforts to nearly $887 million.

The announcement was made by the U.S. State Department during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Health authorities recognize that this funding is essential to address urgent shortages in treatment centers, personal protective equipment, and disease surveillance as the epidemic—driven by the Bundibugyo strain—continues to strain the efforts of frontline responders.

These newly allocated emergency resources will support critical containment operations managed by dedicated international and local health partners, enabling the establishment and operation of specialized Ebola treatment centers and expanding available bed capacity.

The assistance will also strengthen contact tracing networks and enhance active disease surveillance to identify transmission chains at the earliest stages, procure personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, and support dignified and safe burial operations.

Additionally, these resources will support collaborative efforts alongside the World Health Organization and the Africa CDC to prevent the cross-border spread of this international health threat.