Abu dhabi: The African Development Bank Group has approved grants worth USD 13 million to enhance national emergency responses to the Ebola virus disease (EVD-B) outbreak and strengthen efforts to arrest its spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Uganda, a bank press release said Monday.

According to Emirates News Agency, on 15 May 2026, the DRC announced a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease centered in Ituri province, in the east of the country, also affecting Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongwalu. The funding package includes a grant of USD 10 million from the Bank Group's DRC portfolio, channeled through the World Health Organisation (WHO). Additionally, a grant of USD 3 million from the African Development Bank's Multi-Country Emergency Assistance Project covering DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan will be implemented by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The DRC, being the epidemic's epicenter, will receive USD 11 million, while Uganda and South Sudan will each receive USD 1 million.

Under the Bank Group's Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Response Plan, the funds aim to halt the virus's spread and reduce mortality and morbidity in the most affected and vulnerable areas, closely coordinating with the countries' health ministries. This effort will focus on strengthening early case diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, public awareness, and regional coordination.

"This emergency support reflects the African Development Bank Group's commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo and countries in the region in protecting human lives, strengthening the resilience of health systems, and preventing the spread of the epidemic," said Mohamed Cherif, Deputy Director General for Central Africa and DRC country manager at the African Development Bank Group. "Through this support, the Bank Group reaffirms its commitment to standing by regional member countries in times of crisis," he noted.