Red Cross Urges Against Letting Ebola Eclipse 'Emergency' of DRC War

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is sounding an alarm that the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may be obscuring the urgent and continuous needs of those affected by the protracted conflict in the eastern provinces. The health crisis stemming from Ebola has not diminished the number of emergency cases related to the conflict, with ICRC surgical teams facing constant pressure from a steady flow of patients wounded by weapons.

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The health crisis derived from Ebola has not diminished the number of emergency cases related to the conflict. Our surgical teams are under constant pressure, with a continuous flow of patients wounded by weapons.

Between May 15 and June 15, 2026, five hospitals supported by the ICRC in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, both experiencing confirmed Ebola cases, recorded 303 deaths. This represents a 30% increase compared to the previous month. Intensified clashes between the army and rebel groups led to 170 wounded individuals being admitted to hospitals in Bukavu, Uvira, and Fizi, all located in South Kivu. Nearly all beds in the organization's supported facilities are occupied.

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The combination of armed conflict and an epidemic is potentially devastating.

"The combination of armed conflict and an epidemic is potentially devastating," warned François Moreillon, head of the ICRC delegation in the DRC. He appealed to the parties involved in the conflict to act responsibly. This includes ensuring optimal cooperation and coordination in health matters, taking all possible measures to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations, and ensuring rapid, unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. "These measures are essential so that the sick and wounded receive adequate medical attention as soon as possible," Moreillon added.

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These measures are essential so that the sick and wounded receive adequate medical attention as soon as possible.

During confrontations, explosive devices are used in populated areas, resulting in over 16% of patients treated at ICRC-supported hospitals being injured by detonations. Pascal, a patient at the Beni General Reference Hospital in North Kivu, expressed the population's suffering, citing hunger, displacement, and lack of sleep. "I am already injured. Contracting Ebola is unthinkable," he told the ICRC. Congolese authorities have reported 808 confirmed Ebola cases, including 192 deaths, since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15 in Ituri province. The epidemic has since spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, and also into neighboring Uganda, where 19 cases and two deaths have been recorded.

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I am already injured. Contracting Ebola is unthinkable.