NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has made an urgent appeal for international action as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to expand across six provinces. Fletcher emphasized to UN member states that the epidemic is advancing at a pace faster than previous Ebola outbreaks. He urged governments and donors to increase their funding and to facilitate humanitarian access. This appeal follows a surge in infections, security challenges, and the immense strain on healthcare services in the eastern and northern regions of the country.
According to World Health Organization data released on September 1, the outbreak has surpassed 6,000 reported cases, with nearly 3,000 fatalities. The epidemic currently impacts 60 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, and Tshopo provinces. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described this as the second-largest Ebola epidemic ever recorded, and noted it is also the fastest-moving outbreak documented. Since the onset, Ituri remains the epicenter of transmission, accounting for most cases.
This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus and was first identified in May 2026. WHO has classified the situation as a public health emergency of international concern. As of August 26, the agency reported 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths in the DRC, with totals crossing the 6,000 mark shortly after. Additionally, 1,293 recoveries had been documented by that date. Continuous surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, clinical management, and community engagement are ongoing efforts by health officials across affected areas.
Conflict and Fragile Healthcare Systems Hampering Ebola Response
The Ebola crisis is unfolding within a broader humanitarian emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fletcher highlighted that nearly 11 million people require humanitarian aid due to ongoing conflict, displacement, food shortages, and malnutrition. Violence in eastern DRC has hindered access for health and relief personnel. Since activating an emergency response on June 9, the United Nations has expanded its efforts, establishing operational humanitarian hubs in Bunia and Beni to support on-the-ground activities.
Medical personnel on the frontlines face considerable dangers. Fletcher stated that over 40 healthcare workers have died from Ebola, while treatment centers and ambulances have been targeted in attacks. WHO data up to July 30 recorded 151 confirmed infections among health and care workers, including 44 fatalities. Agencies emphasize the importance of infection control, safe clinical practices, and enhanced protection for responders. WHO has also noted that untraceable transmission chains and deaths outside treatment facilities continue to impede containment efforts.
Funding and Vaccination Research Boosted Amid Rising Cases
The updated 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the DRC allocates $2.1 billion, with $300 million designated for Ebola-related initiatives. Fletcher called on the international community to provide increased and flexible funding for both the outbreak response and the broader humanitarian efforts. Separately, WHO announced that a government-led six-month Ebola response plan requires $1.3 billion. The organization has urged member states to accelerate their contributions as authorities scale up surveillance, treatment facilities, laboratory capabilities, community outreach, and other key public health interventions.
On September 1, WHO also issued revised guidance regarding vaccine use as researchers explore options against the Bundibugyo virus. The agency stated that current evidence is insufficient to confirm whether the licensed Ervebo vaccine offers significant protection against this Ebola species in humans. It recommended administering the vaccine solely within research protocols until further clinical trial data are available. WHO and Africa CDC continue to support the Congolese government’s response efforts, including case identification, transmission interruption, and community protection across the six impacted provinces.