Thursday, October 15, 2026 -The World Bank has announced $93 million in additional funding to strengthen Ebola response efforts across Africa as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) battles a major outbreak. Announced on October 13, 2026, the funding includes $80 million for the DRC to improve disease surveillance, laboratory testing, patient care and infection prevention.
The remaining $13 million will support emergency preparedness and cross-border coordination in 11 regional countries. The announcement comes as the outbreak has reached 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths in the DRC, according to health ministry figures reported on October 14.
The new financing aims to strengthen frontline health services, equip laboratories, improve early detection and support communities affected by the outbreak. It will also help maintain essential maternal and child healthcare services in Ituri province, one of the hardest-hit areas, while supporting livelihoods and safe access to education.
Regional funding will help neighbouring countries strengthen disease monitoring, screening at border crossings and coordination between health authorities to reduce the risk of further transmission.
The funding is an urgent step in a growing public health emergency that demands rapid action and regional cooperation. With cases spreading across multiple provinces and cross-border transmission remaining a concern, governments must strengthen surveillance, protect healthcare workers and ensure communities receive timely information and medical support.
The World Bank Group says its total commitments to the Ebola emergency response have reached $426.6 million. The priority now is to turn that funding into effective action on the ground, contain transmission and prevent further loss of life.
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