DR Congo faces $700 million Ebola aid gap amid outbreak spread
DR Congo's ongoing Ebola outbreak, the fastest growing on record, has spread to eight provinces and neighboring countries. Africa CDC and Congolese officials highlight that out of $962 million disbursed for Ebola response, $700 million remains unaccounted for, raising concerns over fund transparency and management. Healthcare workers report unpaid salaries and poor conditions, complicating response efforts.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
DR Congo is grappling with a $700 million gap in Ebola aid funds amid the world’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, which has spread to eight provinces within the country and into Kenya and Uganda.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Congolese officials revealed that while $962 million has been disbursed by international donors for the Ebola response, only about $200 million has been accounted for by organizations working on the ground, including the WHO, UNICEF, and Médecins du Monde.
Concerns over transparency and accountability have been raised, especially given the history of corruption allegations in previous Ebola outbreaks in Congo. Front-line healthcare workers have reported unpaid salaries and bonuses, as well as dangerous working conditions, which have led to strikes and hampered efforts to contain the virus.
Local voices, such as nurse Prince Bahati from Bunia, emphasize the need for rigorous oversight of the funds and better management to restore trust. Residents like Anicet Kakule express frustration over inadequate care and suspect that Ebola response has become a business for some NGOs.
Only one-third of organizations invited to a recent meeting with Congo’s health ministry provided financial records, revealing that of the $228 million received by attending groups, $127 million has been spent and about $100 million remains available.