The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the most complex humanitarian emergencies in the world. Decades of armed conflict have fractured health systems, forced millions from their homes, and made it harder for communities to protect themselves when disease strikes.
It’s into this reality that a new Ebola outbreak has arrived. In April 2026, a new Ebola outbreak was declared – this time caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. It’s spreading through Ituri and North Kivu provinces, regions already stretched to breaking point by displacement and insecurity.
As of 21 May 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports more than 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths, with 51 confirmed deaths in the DRC.
Christian Aid's partners are already responding. Your support helps them go further, faster.
Why this outbreak is different
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is not the same as strains the DRC has faced before. There’s currently no approved vaccine and no specific treatment. The only way to slow the spread is prevention – early action, clear information and communities working together to stop the chain of transmission.
This is what makes the context so critical. High population movement, overcrowded displacement camps and widespread misinformation are all accelerating the spread.
The World Health Organisation has declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
The 17th Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the DRC, and the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain in North-East, Ituri province, with ramifications throughout the Great Lakes region and the city of Goma, has exacerbated the critical humanitarian, social, and economic situation of this population, which has persisted for over two decades.
The people at the centre of this crisis
Currently, around 60% of those affected are women, which isn't a coincidence. Women are more likely to be caring for sick relatives and managing households – roles that increase exposure to the virus.
This outbreak also hits communities already living through one of the largest hunger crises in the world – over 27 million people in the DRC are in urgent need of food.
Continued conflict has devastated healthcare services already under pressure from outbreaks of measles and cholera. In many communities, poor sanitation and limited access to clean water are fuelling the spread of deadly diseases and threatening the survival of families.
For families already living through conflict, hunger and displacement, this outbreak pushes them closer to the brink.
What are Christian Aid's partners doing?
Christian Aid has trusted partners already active in the affected communities. Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l'Afrique (CBCA), Bureau Œcuménique d'Appui au Développement (BOAD) and the Eglise Anglicane du Congo have extensive experience responding to health emergencies in DRC, including the Ebola outbreak in 2019 and the Mpox crisis in 2025.
Our partners are working to deliver prevention messages and promote safe health practices in affected communities. This work saves lives.
Our experience with previous health crises shows that trusted faith leaders can play a vital role, as communities listen to their advice about the ways that people can reduce infection risk.
Pray with us
Loving God, you see us and know us.
You are present with us in times of suffering.
We pray to you for all people affected by the Ebola outbreak.
Comfort those who are ill,
Sustain those who grieve,
Watch over those who deliver care.
We pray for the safety and health of our partners and medical staff as they treat those affected.
We pray for strength for communities and families in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
We pray that breakthroughs will come swiftly as new vaccines and treatments are developed.
We pray that the world would unite to take action and to support our global neighbours.
Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name.
