Health 20 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Foreign Partners Commit $34.5 Million to Bolster Ebola Response in Uganda and DR Congo
Multiple international partners, including the US, EU, Africa CDC, and WHO, have pledged over $34.5 million to support the ongoing Ebola response efforts in both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/foreign-partners-pledge-34-5m-to-boost-ebola-response-in-uganda-dr-congo-5466508
International governments and organizations have come together, pledging a total of at least $34.5 million (approximately Shs130 billion) to bolster the critical response to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The significant financial commitment includes $23 million from the United States, 8 million Euros from the European Union, $2 million from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and $500,000 from the World Health Organization (WHO).
This funding is earmarked for crucial activities such as enhancing surveillance systems, improving laboratory capacity, effective risk communication, safe burial practices, border screening, and clinical case management. The US government, for instance, is facilitating the establishment of up to 50 treatment clinics in affected regions to provide emergency screening, triage, and isolation services.
Uganda has reported two imported cases of the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease, with one patient succumbing to the virus. Consequently, over 127 health workers and contacts have been quarantined. Meanwhile, the DR Congo has reported over 500 suspected cases and 131 deaths.
The European Union’s contribution, channeled through the International Red Cross Society, will support coordination, surveillance, infection prevention and control, and logistics. The EU has also allocated an additional 1 million Euros for flexible, immediate use during the outbreak.
The Africa CDC has deployed a multidisciplinary team of experts and internally mobilized $2 million to aid the continental response, particularly noting the complex operational environment characterized by insecurity and fragile health systems.
While the Ugandan government has stated its commitment to prioritizing the lives of its citizens and indicated it has resources for response, it welcomes external support. The exact allocation of funds directly to the Ugandan government remains to be fully clarified, with some funding being directed through implementing partners.