The United Kingdom has increased its financial support for the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), bringing its total commitment to £78.7 million as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further regional spread.
The additional funding was welcomed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which said the support would strengthen the response in the DRC and Uganda, as well as wider regional coordination and preparedness.
The announcement followed a meeting in Addis Ababa between Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya and UK Minister for Development Kirsty McNeill. Their discussions focused on the ongoing Ebola response, regional coordination and the need for sustained support to countries affected by the outbreak.
Speaking in the UK House of Commons, McNeill highlighted the UK’s support for the Africa-led response and recognised Africa CDC’s role in coordinating regional efforts. The UK had previously allocated £26.9 million towards the immediate response in the DRC and Uganda and regional coordination, according to reporting by Premium Times.
Dr Kaseya welcomed the increased commitment, saying the additional resources would come at an important time as African health authorities work with international partners to stop transmission and protect communities and frontline health workers.
“This support comes at an important time. We are working closely with the DRC, neighbouring countries and partners to stop transmission, protect communities and support health workers on the front line,” Kaseya said.
Funding to strengthen key areas of response
Africa CDC said the additional UK support will contribute to several critical areas of the Ebola response.
These include disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, case management, community engagement and cross-border preparedness.
The funding will also support efforts in Uganda and wider regional coordination, reflecting concerns that population movement across borders could complicate efforts to contain the outbreak.
Africa CDC has been working with affected and neighbouring countries to strengthen surveillance systems, improve information sharing and prepare health facilities and response teams to identify and manage suspected cases.
DRC faces its largest Ebola outbreak
The increased UK commitment comes as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to place pressure on the country’s health system.
According to figures reported by Premium Times based on the WHO’s situation report, as of 6 September 2026, the DRC had recorded 6,686 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,226 deaths. The outbreak had affected six provinces and 60 health zones.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus distinct from the Zaire species responsible for several previous outbreaks.
The first alerts were reported in early May after an unexplained illness with high mortality was identified in the Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province. Laboratory testing later confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease, leading the DRC to officially declare its 17th Ebola outbreak on 15 May 2026.
Uganda subsequently reported imported cases linked to the outbreak. The regional nature of the response has increased the need for coordination between neighbouring countries and continental health institutions.
Regional cooperation remains central
Africa CDC and the World Health Organization launched a joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan in June 2026. The six-month plan, covering June to November, seeks to mobilise US$518 million to support African countries and partners in preparing for, detecting and responding to the outbreak.
The plan brings governments, health institutions, partners and communities together under a coordinated approach covering emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement and logistics.
Cross-border preparedness is particularly important as health authorities seek to prevent further transmission between the DRC, Uganda and other neighbouring countries.
Africa CDC said the latest UK funding would help strengthen this regional approach while supporting countries to improve their capacity to identify and respond to cases.
Health workers and treatment capacity under pressure
The response continues to face shortages of health workers and treatment capacity.
WHO reported that nearly 1,400 treatment beds had been established across 59 treatment centres in the DRC, while an additional 1,600 beds were needed as the outbreak expanded. WHO also reported that about 5,000 additional healthcare workers were required to support the response.
These challenges have increased the importance of sustained financing and logistical support for health workers operating in affected communities.
The situation has also highlighted the need for community engagement. Health authorities and partners have increasingly focused on working with communities to improve early reporting, contact tracing, infection prevention and access to care.
Strengthening Africa-led health security
The UK funding adds to broader international efforts to support an Africa-led response to the outbreak.
Africa CDC has emphasised the importance of international partnerships that align with the priorities of affected countries and African public health institutions.
Kaseya said the Africa CDC remains engaged with the DRC, neighbouring countries and partners to stop transmission, protect affected communities and support frontline workers.
The latest commitment also comes amid wider discussions about sustainable financing for outbreak preparedness and response across Africa.
As the Ebola response continues, health authorities are combining emergency measures with efforts to strengthen surveillance, laboratory systems, treatment capacity, community engagement and cross-border preparedness.
The UK support brings its total commitment to £78.7 million and is expected to contribute to these efforts in the DRC, Uganda and the wider region.
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