UN Appeals for $1.1 Billion to Combat Ebola in DRC

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for an additional $1.1 billion to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the humanitarian response is facing a significant funding shortfall. The total response plan amounts to $2.1 billion, of which only 48 percent has been funded, leaving a gap of approximately $1.1 billion.

Guterres cautioned that without further donations, essential operations could run out of resources within weeks, jeopardizing efforts to expand the response. The outbreak, declared on May 15, has led to over 5,600 confirmed cases and more than 2,700 deaths, marking it as the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC's history.

It is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments. Challenges such as community resistance and refusals to undergo testing are complicating containment efforts.

The World Health Organisation and other partners are working to enhance the response and reach affected communities.