NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has called for urgent international action as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo expands across six provinces. Fletcher told UN member states that the epidemic was moving faster than previous Ebola outbreaks. He urged governments and donors to increase funding and ensure humanitarian access. The appeal comes as health teams confront rising infections, insecurity and severe pressure on medical services across eastern and northern areas of the country.
The World Health Organization said on September 1 that the outbreak had passed 6,000 reported cases, with almost 3,000 deaths. The epidemic now affects 60 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé and Tshopo provinces. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it the second-largest Ebola epidemic on record and the fastest-moving recorded outbreak. Ituri remains the main centre of transmission and has accounted for most cases since the outbreak began.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus and was first detected in May 2026. WHO said the disease remains a public health emergency of international concern. The agency reported 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths in the DRC as of August 26, before totals crossed 6,000. It also reported 1,293 recoveries by that date. Health authorities continue surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, clinical care and community engagement across affected areas.
Conflict and weak health systems complicate Ebola response
The Ebola emergency is unfolding alongside a wider humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fletcher said nearly 11 million people need humanitarian assistance because of conflict, displacement, food insecurity and malnutrition. Violence in parts of eastern DRC has restricted access for health and relief workers. The United Nations has expanded its response since activating an emergency mechanism on June 9. Operational humanitarian hubs have also been established in Bunia and Beni to support field activities.
Frontline medical workers face substantial risks during the response. Fletcher said more than 40 healthcare workers have died from Ebola, while treatment centres and ambulances have faced attacks. Earlier WHO data recorded 151 confirmed infections among health and care workers, including 44 deaths, by July 30. Health agencies have emphasized infection prevention, safe clinical care and stronger protection for responders. WHO has also said that unidentified transmission chains and deaths occurring outside treatment centres continue to complicate efforts to control the epidemic.
Funding and vaccine research expand as cases rise
The revised 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo requires $2.1 billion, including $300 million for Ebola-related activities. Fletcher called for increased and flexible international funding for both the outbreak response and the wider humanitarian operation. WHO has separately said a government-led six-month Ebola response plan requires $1.3 billion. The organization has asked member states to accelerate contributions as authorities expand surveillance, treatment capacity, laboratory services, community outreach and other public health measures.
WHO also issued updated vaccine guidance on September 1 as researchers examine options against the Bundibugyo virus. The agency said evidence remains insufficient to determine whether the licensed Ervebo vaccine provides meaningful protection against this Ebola species in humans. It recommended using the vaccine only within research protocols while clinical trials generate further evidence. WHO and Africa CDC are supporting the Congolese government’s response, while health authorities continue efforts to identify cases, interrupt transmission and protect communities across the six affected provinces.