EU provides an additional €30 million to tackle Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The EU is contributing a further €30 million in humanitarian funding for Ebola response in efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The second-deadliest Ebola outbreak on record has so far claimed more than 1,700 lives in a country already facing a dire humanitarian situation.

The funding announcement brings total EU humanitarian aid to fight against Ebola to €47 million since 2018 when the current outbreak was declared.

Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, who is also the EU’s Ebola Coordinator, said: “The fight against the epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo stands at a crucial juncture. The EU is vastly stepping up its aid to save lives and prevent further infections. We are providing new support to the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization, and humanitarian partners on the ground. We also stand in full solidarity with the frontline responders putting their life at risk to tackle the outbreak.”

The new EU funding will step up support for:

• Infection prevention and control measures
• Working with local communities to foster their acceptance of the response, including contagion prevention measures, access to healthcare, and safe and dignified burials
• Support for Ebola survivors and their families.

Against the backdrop of a wider deteriorating humanitarian crisis, EU assistance will also address urgent humanitarian needs in Ebola-affected and high-risk areas by providing food, nutrition and access to health services and clean water.

The Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo takes place in a challenging security, political and societal context. Conflict, high population mobility, a frail health system, and community mistrust continue to hinder the Ebola response teams’ efforts in the country.

Original source: European Commission
Published on 25 July 2019