DR Congo Ebola cases exceed 8,000 amid new EU and US aid pledges
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 8,000 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths in the ongoing outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain. This is the largest and deadliest Ebola epidemic in the country's history. With no approved vaccines or treatments for this strain, the WHO plans vaccine trials soon. Meanwhile, the EU and US have pledged significant financial aid to support the response and preparedness efforts.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has surpassed 8,000 confirmed Ebola cases, with 3,901 deaths reported, marking the largest and deadliest outbreak in the country’s history, according to government data released on Monday and reported by Reuters.
The epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced earlier this month that trials for three potential vaccines against this strain are expected to begin by October or November.
In the meantime, DR Congo, supported by WHO and Doctors Without Borders, has launched a test vaccination programme to evaluate whether vaccines designed for other Ebola strains might be effective against Bundibugyo.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week, international partners pledged further financial support. The European Union announced a €7.5 million aid package to assist the Ebola response and to strengthen long-term preparedness, response, and health surveillance capacity. This contribution forms part of a broader €710 million EU commitment to aid displaced people across Africa and provide global crisis relief.
Similarly, the United States released an additional $267 million to support ongoing efforts to combat the epidemic in DR Congo.