Over 400 Cases Confirmed Amidst Health Crisis
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with an Ebola outbreak declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation. Over 400 cases and 89 deaths have been confirmed, highlighting the severity of the situation. This declaration marks a critical juncture in the global health landscape.
Dr. Manenji Mangudu, Country Director for Oxfam in the DRC, described the dire circumstances, saying, “Our partners are sending us deeply alarming reports. One doctor in Mongwalu Health Zone, Ituri told us: ‘There are already deaths in the community, when people die at home, it means there are many more undetected cases.'” In Ituri, 15 cases were confirmed in isolation just yesterday.
Millions in the DRC lack access to functioning health facilities, worsening the crisis. By the time patients reach medical facilities, it is often too late to save them. With ongoing conflict, the country is already stretched to breaking point.
Dr. Mangudu emphasised, “This outbreak is hitting a country already stretched to breaking point. Ongoing conflict and years of aid cuts have deepened a humanitarian crisis of staggering scale: One in four people are going hungry.” The reduction in aid has severely weakened the surveillance systems in the DRC, delaying the detection of the Ebola outbreak.
Impact of Aid Cuts on Ebola Response
This has left millions without access to functioning health facilities, increasing the risk of the virus spreading unchecked. Oxfam is working with partners to provide clean water, sanitation, and health awareness in affected areas, but efforts are hampered by critically depleted humanitarian funding. Dr. Mangudu warns, “Without urgent financial assistance, efforts to control the outbreak could be fatally undermined.”
The ongoing conflict has further complicated the situation, making it difficult for aid workers to reach the affected areas. Despite these challenges, Oxfam and its partners are striving to mount an effective emergency response. The organisation has called for urgent international financial support to bolster their efforts in controlling the outbreak and providing necessary aid to affected communities.
Last updated: 19 May 2026, 2:05 pm
