The United Nations is sounding the alarm over the rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that the virus is spreading at an unprecedented rate in a region already plagued by conflict, displacement, and acute hunger. The country's health authorities have reported 6,100 confirmed cases of Ebola and 2,950 related deaths, resulting in a case fatality ratio of 48 percent.
The DRC government first declared the outbreak on May 15, and it was later confirmed that the Bundibugyo strain caused it. Experts warn that, if the current pace continues, this outbreak will surpass the 2014–16 West African outbreak, which killed over 11,000 people, to become the largest known Ebola outbreak in recorded history.
During a briefing to UN member states on Tuesday, Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, characterized the situation as a critical race against time. Describing the epidemic as the "fastest-growing epidemic on record," Fletcher urged the international community to move beyond rhetoric and take immediate, large-scale action.
The outbreak has spread to six provinces, many of which are hindered by insecurity, which limits humanitarian access. This makes it extremely difficult for responders to detect cases, trace contacts, and establish the public trust necessary for effective treatment.
“It is not simply a health emergency,” Fletcher stated during the virtual briefing, emphasizing that the crisis is "a humanitarian emergency layered onto many existing humanitarian emergencies."
This year, more than 18 million people in DRC require humanitarian assistance. More than half of the country's displaced population — 3.4 million people — live in areas affected by the outbreak, which further exacerbates the situation.
The eastern provinces, particularly Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, have experienced decades of violence as non-state armed groups compete for control of the region's natural resources. Escalating hostilities continue to spread across eastern DRC, triggering heightened protection risks for civilians.
On Tuesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that ongoing violence in eastern DRC is causing new displacements and hindering efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak.
In Ituri, at least 37 civilians were killed, and more than 35 people were abducted during armed attacks in the Mambasa territory on Saturday — according to local civil society sources. The violence has triggered new displacement from several villages, and at least 86 civilians have been killed in attacks across the territory since August.
In neighboring South Kivu, aid agencies report that clashes in Walungu territory have displaced at least 15,000 people since August 23. Most of those displaced are sheltering with host families and need food, shelter, and healthcare. Meanwhile, active fighting in parts of North Kivu continues to force people to flee their homes.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian impact of the Ebola outbreak is being felt most acutely by the most vulnerable people. Fletcher noted that women and girls, especially pregnant women, are disproportionately affected. He also warned that children are losing parents and caregivers, which leaves them significantly more vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.
Although the UN and the DRC government activated a strengthened response in early June, Fletcher cautioned that current efforts are being outpaced by the virus.
He stressed that "we cannot respond incrementally to an epidemic, which is now growing exponentially."
The UN relief chief called for a "sustained, large-scale operation" that moves beyond incremental growth to include expanded treatment capacity, safer burial teams, and improved protection for frontline workers.
The human cost of the humanitarian response has already been significant. Fletcher revealed that over 40 healthcare workers have died from Ebola while treating others and that treatment centers and ambulances have been attacked.
“The people delivering this response are taking extraordinary risks,” he said.
In an effort to combat the spread of Ebola, the UN has appealed for US$2.1 billion through the revised 2026 DRC Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). This includes $300 million earmarked for Ebola-related activities. Though over $1 billion has been secured, Fletcher noted that "half of the funding gap remains."
"The virus is not waiting for us to find it," he warned.
The UN has already allocated over $57 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for response and preparedness efforts in DRC and neighboring countries. Although Uganda was declared free of the outbreak last week after a 42-day period, Fletcher stressed that the situation in DRC remains dire.
He noted that neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan and the Central African Republic, have increased their preparedness efforts, despite already confronting severe humanitarian emergencies of their own.
Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the indifference surrounding the Ebola emergency.
“He is right to do so. An outbreak spreading at this speed should command the world’s attention,” " said the UN relief chief.
“The DRC is doing its part – the international community must do ours.”
Closing his remarks, Fletcher urged world leaders to leverage their collective influence to keep the crisis on the international agenda. He warned that the world cannot afford to wait for the virus to cross borders before taking decisive action.
“Secondly, we need access. Humanitarian personnel and supplies must move safely and swiftly into and within the DRC. We need borders kept open. We need obstacles to the response removed,” he said.
He concluded with a final appeal for increased and flexible funding for the Ebola response and the wider humanitarian operation.
“Time is not on our side,” Fletcher warned.
“We have the experience, the tools, extraordinary people risking their lives to stop this epidemic. What we need now is political will, access, and resources.”