CDC mobilizes US$107M in emergency funding to fight exploding Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak

USA—The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated US$107 million in emergency funding to strengthen both international response efforts and domestic preparedness as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda continues to expand.

The funding comes at a critical time, with health officials warning that the outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola could become one of the most severe in history.

According to the CDC, more than 125 agency personnel are currently supporting response activities across the DRC and Uganda, including 23 field staff working directly with health authorities on epidemiological investigations and outbreak control measures.

Dr. Satish Pillai, the CDC’s Ebola response incident manager, said the agency is working closely with the DRC Ministry of Health to improve disease surveillance, strengthen laboratory diagnostics, and enhance community engagement in affected areas.

Outbreak continues to grow

One month after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, confirmed cases have risen to 875, including 202 deaths.

The outbreak has already become the largest Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak ever recorded and is now among the largest Ebola epidemics on record.

Health experts remain concerned because there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain.

International health agencies are evaluating potential vaccines and treatments while continuing to rely on traditional containment measures such as case identification, contact tracing, isolation, and safe burial practices.

The outbreak is occurring in a complex environment marked by insecurity, population movement, humanitarian challenges, and limited healthcare infrastructure.

Community mistrust and misinformation have also complicated response efforts, making it harder for health workers to identify and monitor contacts of infected individuals.

Funding gap threatens response efforts

The emergency funding announcement follows growing concerns over a major financing shortfall.

Earlier this week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported that less than 10% of pledged outbreak-response funding has reached affected countries.

Although donors have committed US$910 million, including US$80 million from African Union member states, less than US$90 million has been disbursed so far.

Africa CDC officials have urged donors to accelerate the release of promised funds as case numbers continue to rise.

The United States remains the largest contributor to the response and has called on other governments and development partners to increase their support.