G20 Donors Commit $470M to Combat Ebola in DRC

During a G20 Foreign Ministerial on Ebola convened by the United States, donor countries and organizations pledged a total of $470 million to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in its fight against the Ebola outbreak. This brings the total global commitments since the epidemic began in May to over $2 billion.

The United States contributed the largest share, announcing an additional $267 million in health and humanitarian assistance, raising its total direct support to $887 million. Other significant pledges included $90 million from the World Bank and $67.5 million from the United Kingdom.

Additional contributions came from Germany ($24.8 million), South Korea ($18 million), France ($16 million), Italy ($11.3 million), and the United Arab Emirates ($10 million). The funding will be allocated to Ebola treatment units, protective equipment for health workers, burial teams, laboratory services, community outreach programs, and enhanced surveillance systems.

The DRC has faced multiple Ebola outbreaks, exacerbated by insecurity and limited healthcare infrastructure.