UK pledges $26 million to combat Ebola in eastern DRC amid conflict

The Ebola outbreak ravaging the North-Kivu, South-Kivu, and Ituri provinces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis. This stark assessment was delivered by the United Kingdom through its representative, Jennifer MacNaughtan, Counselor at the British Embassy in Kinshasa, during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in the DRC.

The British diplomat commended the swift response of Congolese authorities to this public health emergency, as well as the critical logistical support provided by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in delivering essential supplies to affected areas. The UK also reaffirmed its financial commitment to combating the epidemic.

“We commend the rapid response of the Democratic Republic of Congo and welcome the efforts of MONUSCO to ensure that essential supplies can reach affected areas. The United Kingdom has committed up to $26 million to support the fight against Ebola,” Jennifer MacNaughtan stated on June 26.

According to MacNaughtan, London is working closely with Congolese authorities, international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC, and regional governments to strengthen coordination of the response, epidemiological surveillance, containment measures, and preparedness capabilities.

In a region where hostilities persist between local and foreign armed groups—including the AFC/M23 rebellion, reportedly backed by Rwanda—and government forces, despite the Ebola surge, the UK has issued an urgent call to all conflict parties to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations.

“We urge all parties to ensure full and unimpeded humanitarian access, in line with international law, to enable this vital public health response,” MacNaughtan emphasized on behalf of the United Kingdom.

The Ebola outbreak continues to spread across eastern DRC, compounding the challenges posed by ongoing armed conflicts, mass displacement, and insecurity. Affected communities face mounting disruptions to daily life, including restricted access to markets, livelihoods, and essential services. Meanwhile, health systems remain severely strained and struggle to mount a rapid and effective response.

Humanitarian partners stress that an effective response requires secure access to communities affected by insecurity and displacement, maintaining surveillance at formal and informal border crossings, and disseminating clear, accurate, and reliable health information. In some areas, insecurity and attacks on health workers have further hindered response operations, particularly case detection and contact tracing.

Despite these daunting challenges, Congolese authorities remain steadfast in their reassurance, dismissing alarmist narratives and highlighting ongoing efforts in collaboration with national and international partners to contain the outbreak. They point to the country’s proven track record in managing health crises, noting that the DRC has successfully contained 16 previous Ebola outbreaks through robust response operations.