US Pledges Additional $242 Million for Ebola Response in Central Africa

August 6, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The United States plans to provide an additional 242 million US dollars for Ebola response and preparedness efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and neighbouring countries as health authorities continue efforts to contain an ongoing outbreak. The funding, announced by the US Department of State in coordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will support disease surveillance, testing, treatment, border screening and humanitarian assistance linked to the outbreak.

The latest commitment follows a pledge made at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June, where the United States committed to providing up to an additional 500 million US dollars for Ebola response activities. With the latest announcement, State Department assistance for Ebola response efforts has exceeded 512 million US dollars. The United States said it remains the largest financial contributor to the international Ebola response, working with governments, humanitarian organisations and private sector partners to strengthen containment measures.

The additional funding will support efforts to expand health monitoring systems, improve isolation and treatment capacity, strengthen healthcare facilities and address misinformation related to Ebola prevention. US-funded programmes have supported 8.6 million health screenings across affected and at-risk countries, reached more than one million people with Ebola risk communication messages and supported more than 180 health facilities in affected areas, according to the State Department.

The funding has also helped provide nearly 300 metric tonnes of medical and sanitation supplies, including personal protective equipment, and strengthened diagnostic capacity at 11 laboratories across the region. The US government said it is also supporting American citizens affected by travel restrictions linked to the outbreak. The Department of State continues to operate a 24-hour consular call centre and provide assistance to citizens who need to adjust travel plans.

Travel advisories for the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan remain at the highest level, with US authorities advising citizens not to travel to the countries because of Ebola-related risks and other security concerns. The response is being coordinated with governments in the region, including the DRC and Uganda, as health agencies work to limit further transmission of the virus.

Source: FSX Business News