Kenya, 22 May 2026 - The United Nations has released $60 million (about KSh7.8 billion) in emergency funding to help contain the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries.
The funding, announced by the UN on Friday, comes as health officials race to stop the deadly Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has already triggered international concern due to the absence of an approved vaccine or treatment.
According to the UN, the money will support urgent frontline operations, including contact tracing, treatment centres and community awareness campaigns aimed at slowing transmission.
“Ebola: UN allocates $60 million from emergency response fund to fight deadly outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo & the wider region,” the organisation said in a statement.
The UN added that the resources were “being directed toward contact tracing, establishment of treatment centres, community engagement & more.”
The emergency funding comes at a critical moment as health authorities struggle to contain infections in eastern DRC, where insecurity, displacement and fragile healthcare systems have complicated response efforts.
The World Health Organization has already declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after confirmed cases spread into Uganda.
Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks, the current epidemic involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine.
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Health experts say that has forced responders to rely heavily on early detection, isolation of patients and cooperation from local communities.
The outbreak has revived painful memories across the region, particularly in eastern Congo where communities are still recovering from earlier Ebola epidemics that killed thousands and disrupted livelihoods for years.
UN agencies say part of the emergency funding will also support awareness campaigns to counter fear and misinformation, especially in remote communities where mistrust of health authorities remains high.
Medical teams are additionally expected to strengthen surveillance at border points as neighbouring countries intensify screening measures to prevent cross-border spread.
The latest funding underscores growing international concern that the outbreak could worsen if containment efforts are delayed in one of Africa’s most fragile humanitarian regions.

