The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that it has secured less than half of the funding required to combat the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns that the response could weaken as the virus spreads into new areas.
Health officials urged international donors to maintain financial support, warning that the outbreak has reached a critical stage and that Congo cannot manage the crisis alone.
Funding Falls Well Short
The WHO said it has received only about 40 percent of the $115 million it requested to respond to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
According to government data, the outbreak has infected at least 1,926 people and claimed 702 lives.
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Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks, the Bundibugyo strain currently has no approved vaccine or proven treatment, making rapid detection, isolation, and supportive care the primary tools for containing the virus.
Outbreak Expands Into New Provinces
Following a visit to Ituri Province, one of the hardest hit areas, WHO Health Emergencies Programme Director Chikwe Ihekweazu said the response had reached a decisive phase.
He warned that the outbreak has now spread into two additional provinces, increasing the urgency of surveillance, testing, and patient isolation.
Ihekweazu stressed that sustained international assistance is essential, comparing the Ebola response to a marathon that requires continued commitment rather than short term efforts.
Actual Case Numbers May Be Much Higher
The WHO also warned that official figures likely underestimate the true scale of the outbreak.
Health officials estimate that the actual number of Ebola infections could be at least twice the reported total and potentially more than four times higher, largely because of underreporting, limited access to affected communities, and gaps in disease surveillance.
If confirmed, the outbreak would be significantly larger than current official statistics indicate.
Why This Matters
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks over the past decade, but the current Bundibugyo strain presents unique challenges because there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment available. A prolonged funding gap could slow case detection, weaken contact tracing, and increase the risk of further transmission within Congo and neighboring countries.
The outbreak also places additional pressure on a healthcare system already coping with conflict, displacement, and limited medical infrastructure.
Future Outlook
The coming weeks will be critical for determining whether the outbreak can be contained before it spreads more widely. The WHO is expected to intensify its appeal for international funding while expanding surveillance and emergency response operations in newly affected provinces. Without additional financial support, health experts warn that efforts to control the outbreak could become increasingly difficult, raising the risk of a larger humanitarian and public health crisis.
With information from Reuters.
