AfDB to provide US$ 13mln to bolster Ebola outbreak response in DRC, South Sudan and Uganda
On 15 May 2026, DRC announced a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease centred in Ituri province, in the east of the country, and also affecting Bunia, Rwampara and Mongwalu
KAMPALA, July 21, 2026 — The African Development Bank Group [ AfDB ] has approved grants worth US$ 13 million [about Shs 48.1 billion] to strengthen national emergency responses to the Ebola virus disease [EVD-B] outbreak and enhance efforts to contain its spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], South Sudan and Uganda.
On 15 May 2026, DRC announced a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease centred in Ituri Province, in the east of the country, with cases also reported in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongwalu.
The funding package comprises a grant of US$ 10mln, drawn from reallocated resources within the Bank Group’s DRC portfolio, which will be channelled through the World Health Organisation [WHO]. A second grant of US$ 3mln, sourced from the African Development Bank’s Multi-Country Emergency Assistance Project covering DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, will be implemented by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention [Africa CDC].
DRC, the epicentre of the outbreak, will receive US$ 11mln of the funding, while Uganda and South Sudan will each receive US$ 1mln [about Shs 3.7bln] under the same project.
Under the Bank Group’s Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Response Plan, the funds will be deployed to halt the spread of the virus and reduce related mortality and morbidity in the most affected and vulnerable areas, in close coordination with the health ministries of the three countries. The response will include strengthening early case detection, epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, public awareness and regional coordination.
“This emergency support reflects the AfDB’s commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo and countries in the region in protecting human lives, strengthening the resilience of health systems and preventing the spread of the epidemic,” said Mohamed Cherif, Deputy Director General for Central Africa and DRC Country Manager at the African Development Bank Group.
“Through this support, the Bank Group reaffirms its commitment to standing by regional member countries in times of crisis,” he added.
Since the outbreak was declared in May, the disease has spread to the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. This latest outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a particularly virulent variant for which there is currently neither an approved vaccine nor a specific treatment.
https://thecooperator.news/health-minister-confirms-no-new-ebola-cases-in-uganda/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
