DR Congo steps up Ebola response as cases rise and EU aid arrives

Health authorities and international partners are stepping up the Ebola response in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as the outbreak continues to deepen in Ituri province.

The outbreak, first declared on May 15, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The World Health Organization said on May 17 that the epidemic required a coordinated international response.

Aid has begun reaching the outbreak area. On May 22, the European Union announced €15 million in humanitarian assistance for the Ebola response in DR Congo and Uganda. AP reported on May 28 that supplies had reached the center of the outbreak in Ituri, where responders have faced shortages and insecurity.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in DR Congo on May 29 as the response intensified, according to AP. His trip comes as authorities and aid groups work to contain the outbreak and support affected communities.

Response under pressure

The outbreak is centered in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo, an area where insecurity has complicated public-health operations. WHO has said the situation requires close coordination among local authorities and international partners.

The latest developments point to a more active phase of the response, with medical supplies arriving, fresh funding pledged and senior WHO leadership on the ground.

What happens next

Open questions include how quickly confirmed and suspected case counts are changing, whether more partners announce support and whether responders can keep the outbreak from spreading beyond the affected health zones.