Ebola Outbreak Spreads Rapidly in Democratic Republic of Congo

Death Toll Rises as Ebola Outbreak Spreads in Democratic Republic of Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has surpassed 200, with a total of 232 reported fatalities. Seventeen medical professionals have lost their lives to the virus since the outbreak was declared on May 15.

According to WHO emergency director Marie Roseline Belizaire, the situation remains serious and is evolving rapidly. The DRC’s healthcare system is facing significant challenges due to chronic underfunding and a shortage of healthcare workers. The country has one of the lowest ratios of healthcare workers to population, with approximately 11 health workers for every 10,000 people.

The WHO has received support from China and Uganda in responding to the outbreak, which has infected over 900 individuals across 31 health zones in the DRC. African Union member states have pledged nearly $1 billion to address the emergency.

In addition to the healthcare crisis, concerns are growing about the spread of Ebola among displaced people in camps. The Kigonze camp in Bunia, Ituri province, has reported an unprecedented death rate, with at least 30 fatalities since early May. Camp officials and aid workers have expressed fears that the virus may be spreading undetected due to overcrowding and poor sanitation.

Funding cuts for water, hygiene, and sanitation programs have exacerbated the situation, making it more challenging to contain the outbreak. The United Nations has reported a significant decline in funding for toilets and handwashing stations in DRC, from $76 million in 2024 to $38 million in 2025.

Source: Al Jazeera