The Diplomat
The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) has strengthened its support for the international humanitarian response to the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and other East African countries with a total contribution of €1.2 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
As the Agency stated in a press release, the Spanish contribution includes €700,000 to the IFRC’s regular budget and an additional €500,000 specifically earmarked for the regional emergency appeal launched by the organization to address the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and other neighboring countries at risk.
On May 15, 2026, health authorities in Kinshasa confirmed an Ebola virus outbreak in Ituri Province, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The identified strain, Bundibugyo, is highly lethal, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available, making prevention, surveillance, and community response essential for containing the disease.
As of May 19, more than 500 suspected cases had been reported, including 130 deaths and 33 confirmed cases. Given the risk of regional and cross-border spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The IFRC’s emergency appeal, launched on May 20, aims to assist three million people. It is estimated that between 12 and 18 million people live in areas at high risk of transmission.
The intervention supported by Spain advocates for a comprehensive approach based on prevention and community action. The planned activities include community surveillance and contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, infection prevention and control measures, access to water, sanitation and hygiene, health promotion, psychosocial support, and risk communication and community engagement activities to combat misinformation and strengthen public trust.
The operation is paying particular attention to border areas and mobility routes between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where cases linked to the outbreak have already been detected, as well as to other neighboring countries, such as Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan, which have strengthened their preparedness and surveillance mechanisms. The context of insecurity, population displacement, weak health systems, and high cross-border mobility significantly increase the risk of regional spread.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprised of 191 National Societies working to save lives, strengthen community resilience, and promote a humanitarian response based on local action. Their response here is developed especially through the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Red Cross of Uganda, which have extensive experience in managing epidemic outbreaks and a strong territorial presence.
