The second largest Ebola outbreak in history is currently ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This outbreak has spread quicker than any outbreak in the past, with over 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,690 confirmed deaths to date. While the vast majority of cases and deaths have occurred in DRC, cases have also been confirmed in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and France (see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation for updated case numbers). This outbreak response continues amid added challenges — from cuts to global health funding, rising costs of equipment and supplies, and regional insecurity — all of which impact the ability of healthcare providers, ministries of health, and aid organizations to curb the spread of the virus.
DRC’s health system has limited infrastructure and access to essential services and supplies necessary for treatment, diagnostics, infection control, and prevention. Personnel have also experienced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), which is essential for safely treating infected patients. Healthcare worker infections add to the burden of the outbreak while also limiting available response personnel to treat others.
Ongoing armed conflict in eastern DRC introduces additional complexities, making it harder to engage in treatment, disease surveillance, and prevention activities. In addition to the risk of physical harm to healthcare personnel and local communities, the violence — and corresponding border closures with Rwanda and Uganda — has also limited the import of basic supplies like gloves and masks.
Armed conflict, mass displacement, and the rapidly spreading virus present serious concerns for immediate and longterm impact. The situation weakens not only the ability to stop the current Ebola outbreak, but also to provide essential health services and prevent the rise of other diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV.
Despite the challenges, local and international organizations have worked tirelessly since the beginning of this outbreak. But more support is essential. Impacted communities need greater international engagement; flexible, sustainable funding to support local, grassroots organizations; consistent protections for front-line health workers; support for primary care and health system infrastructure; and humanitarian aid for displaced people. Some of this may come from governments, but much of the support is likely to be left to the private sector.
Sources:
Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (Oct. 22, 2026), https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/index.html#cdc_situation_summary_numbers-latest-data.
Kim Winkler, Ebola Response Faces Critical Supply Shortages as Border Closures Hamper Essential Aid, International Rescue Committee, (June 9, 2026), https://www.rescue.org/press-release/ebola-response-faces-critical-supply-shortages-border-closures-hamper-essential-aid.
Vibhu Mishra, Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Collides with Conflict and Hunger, WHO Warns, United Nations, (May 27, 2026), https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/05/1167592.
Ebola Outbreak - DRC 2026, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/ebola-outbreak---drc-2026 (accessed Oct. 22, 2026).
Looking for ways to support? Here are some organizations engaged in the response: