Ebola in DRC: Over 700 deaths recorded in two months amid ongoing challenges

The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with its 17th Ebola epidemic, which was officially declared on May 17, 2026, and has since claimed over 700 lives across five provinces. The outbreak, while seeing some progress with hundreds of recoveries, continues to pose a significant threat.

Government and international partners, including the World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders, have mobilized over $50 million USD. These funds have facilitated the delivery of medical supplies and the establishment of treatment centers in affected areas like Bunia and Rwampara. So far, 300 patients have been successfully treated and discharged.

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Fifty million dollars have been disbursed by the Government since the start of the epidemic.

However, the response faces critical challenges. A strike by healthcare workers demanding unpaid wages and bonuses is disrupting the operations of treatment centers. This labor dispute risks compromising patient care and potentially accelerating the virus's spread, according to local socio-political actors.

Compounding these issues are insecurity in some affected regions and a lack of adherence to preventative measures by segments of the population. The epidemic has now reached Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Haut-Uele provinces. The latest official figures report 1,926 confirmed cases, with 702 fatalities since the epidemic's onset.

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This situation risks compromising patient care and favoring the spread of the virus.