Congo-Kinshasa: 'Time Is Not On Our Side,' UN Relief Chief Warns As Ebola Spreads in DR Congo

On June 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the fastest-growing epidemic on record, affecting a nation already grappling with significant humanitarian crises. Nearly 11 million people require support, and conflict has uprooted families, resulted in acute food insecurity, and pushed malnutrition to vast levels.

The outbreak has now spread to six provinces, including regions where insecurity hampers access and health systems are already weak. Women and girls, particularly pregnant women, are disproportionately affected, as children lose parents and caregivers, making them even more vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. The UN Relief Chief, Tom Fletcher, conveyed that the response is scaling up but warns that unless urgent action is taken, more lives will be lost and the threat will grow.

The DRC government has shown strong leadership alongside WHO, Africa CDC, and IASC members, activating the response and strengthening it. However, the outbreak is spreading rapidly, making it imperative to launch a sustained, large-scale operation that proactively combats the virus. This includes expanding treatment capacity, increasing safe and dignified burial teams, improving access for humanitarian workers and supplies, and fostering trust among the affected population.

Despite the efforts of over 40 health workers who have died while working to save others, the response must prioritize the protection of these front-line responders. The revised 2026 DRC Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan calls for $2.1 billion, including $300 million for Ebola-related activities. To date, more than $1 billion has been secured, but a significant funding gap remains.

The UN Relief Chief emphasized that the international community must act collectively and individually to keep the crisis on the global agenda, ensuring access for humanitarian personnel and supplies, and providing increased, flexible funding for the Ebola response and the broader humanitarian operation.