Gates Foundation commits $15 million to Ebola response in DRC and Uganda

The Gates Foundation has announced $15 million in emergency funding to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where authorities are working to contain a cross-border outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

The foundation said the money will be split equally among three institutions: $5 million for Africa CDC, $5 million for WHO AFRO, and $5 million for WHO headquarters. The funding is intended to support coordination, surveillance, diagnostics and frontline response efforts.

The announcement comes as the outbreak continues to escalate. The World Health Organization said Ebola was declared in both countries on May 15, 2026, and later classified as a public health emergency of international concern on May 16. As of May 21, WHO reported 85 confirmed cases and 10 deaths across DRC and Uganda.

Africa CDC has said it is coordinating a rapid regional response and has been working with partners on containment planning and operational support. The Gates Foundation was among the partners referenced in that coordination effort before the new funding announcement.

The new commitment adds fresh financing to an already active response, but key questions remain about how quickly the money will reach the named institutions and whether further donor support will follow as case counts change.