World Bank commits $426.6 million to Ebola response

The World Bank Group has committed $426.6 million to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and strengthen Ebola preparedness in surrounding regions.

The funding, comprising new and existing grants and concessional financing, will support frontline health workers, affected communities and essential health services.

The latest package includes $80 million for the DR Congo's national response and $13 million to boost preparedness and cross-border health security in neighboring countries through the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (HEPRR) program.

The HEPRR program has helped reduce the time taken to detect cases from 10 days at the start of the outbreak to one or two days by September 2026. It has also delivered diagnostic platforms and 70,000 tests for Bundibugyo virus disease, supplied 340 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment, and deployed technical experts to Bunia to support the provincial response.

The funding will also help maintain maternal and child health services in Ituri, the outbreak's epicenter, while protecting livelihoods and enabling children to attend school safely.

In Uganda, authorities declared the outbreak over on July 28, 2026, following support from the World Bank Group and other partners.

A further $13 million will strengthen emergency preparedness and response in 11 countries across the region. The funding will support the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in improving cross-border coordination, surveillance, laboratory systems, health workforce capacity and digital screening at key points of entry.

The World Bank Group says it will continue working with national governments, regional institutions and other partners to contain the outbreak and strengthen health systems against future emergencies.