CAFOD Seeks Donations as DRC Ebola Deaths Top 220 and Outbreak Outpaces Response
Updated
Updated · ACI Africa · May 27
CAFOD Seeks Donations as DRC Ebola Deaths Top 220 and Outbreak Outpaces Response
5 articles · Updated · ACI Africa · May 27
CAFOD said the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak is worsening fast and appealed for urgent donations to bolster containment, aid quarantined families and support safe burials through local Church partners.
More than 220 suspected deaths had been reported by May 25, after 536 suspected cases and 142 deaths were logged by May 21 and suspected cases reportedly surpassed 900 by May 24.
The spread has moved beyond Ituri into North and South Kivu, including Goma, while Uganda confirmed 2 imported cases in Kampala and tightened border controls.
WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 21 and raised DRC's national risk to very high a day later.
No vaccine is ready for the Bundibugyo strain, and insecurity, weak surveillance, equipment shortages and attacks on health facilities are narrowing the window to contain the outbreak.
As attacks on clinics escalate, can international aid overcome the community mistrust now fueling this deadly Ebola outbreak?
With no vaccine for this Ebola strain, is the world fighting a 2026 outbreak with pre-2014 methods?
2026 DRC Ebola Emergency: Bundibugyo Strain Spurs Cross-Border Crisis and Exposes Global Preparedness Gaps
Overview
In May 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda faced a severe Ebola outbreak, quickly recognized as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its cross-border spread and urgent risks. The crisis prompted immediate regional and international concern, leading to coordinated action by health authorities. Uganda confirmed cases, while neighboring South Sudan launched robust preparedness and emergency coordination activities with support from the WHO and partners. These efforts included assessments of health facilities and strengthened surveillance, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation to contain the outbreak and prevent further escalation.