Aid cuts and poor sanitation intensify concerns over Ebola spread in displacement camps.
Published On 19 Jun 2026
Seventeen healthcare workers have died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the outbreak claims over 200 lives, straining a health system already crippled by conflict, displacement, and chronic underfunding.
A senior World Health Organization (WHO) official confirmed the deaths on Friday, stating that 75 medical staff had contracted the virus since the outbreak was declared on May 15. The Bundibugyo strain, rare and highly contagious, had likely circulated undetected for months prior to the formal announcement.
The WHO’s emergency director, Marie Roseline Belizaire, emphasized the severity: “The outbreak remains serious and is evolving rapidly.” She highlighted acute shortages of protective equipment, with many facilities struggling to secure gloves, masks, and other essentials.
With only 11 health workers per 10,000 people—the lowest ratio globally—DRC faces a catastrophic gap in caregiving capacity. China and Uganda have deployed medical teams to assist, while the WHO provides psychological support to overwhelmed workers witnessing colleagues fall ill.
BeliShaire noted: “Hearing how they became infected breaks your heart.” The crisis is also worsening in displacement camps, where overcrowding and resistance to testing risk undetected spread. Since early May, at least 30 deaths have occurred in Kigonze camp in Bunia, a hotspot accounting for over 90% of the nearly 900 confirmed cases.
Locals suspect Ebola, citing symptoms like fever and vomiting, though officials delay confirmations due to access issues. The UN reports a drastic 50% drop in funding for sanitation infrastructure, leaving $80m appeal requests 79% underfunded. Over 5 million displaced people in eastern DRC now face heightened risk.
Across 31 health zones, 896 infections and 232 deaths have been recorded. African Union members pledged nearly $1bn, but officials warn the outbreak has not peaked. Poor sanitation in camps and reduced donor support for hygiene programs exacerbate the situation, as aid from sources like the US under President Trump has been cut.