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UN Warns Ebola Spread Costs $3.6 B, Hits New Provinces

7/1/2026

Summary

UN Warns Ebola

The United Nations warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could cost up to $3.6 billion and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
DRC officials said the virus may have reached two new provinces.
The Bundibugyo strain, with no vaccine or treatment, has infected about 1,300 people and killed more than 300 since May 15.
Authorities are scrambling because supplies are dwindling and a vaccine is expected weeks away.

Summary

**WHO declares emergency**

WHO declared the outbreak a health emergency of international concern as Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya reported funding needs rose from $518 million to about $1.4 billion.
Donor nations have pledged $910 million, with only a small portion reaching on-the-ground responders.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised its Ebola response to the agency’s highest emergency tier while health workers face conflict, displacement and attacks on treatment centres, causing likely under-reporting.

Summary

DRC Government Bans

DRC government banned public gatherings in four provinces, including Kinshasa, as Ebola escalated.
The ban came days before a Kinshasa protest scheduled for July 8 2026, prompting opposition to call it politically motivated.
Ituri province, a conflict-hit area, is the epicentre of the 17th Ebola outbreak and holds most of the 1,307 confirmed cases.
Officials warn that traditional multi-day funerals, where mourners touch bodies, accelerate spread of the Bundibugyo strain.

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UN Warns Ebola

The United Nations warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could cost up to $3.6 billion and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
DRC officials said the virus may have reached two new provinces.
The Bundibugyo strain, with no vaccine or treatment, has infected about 1,300 people and killed more than 300 since May 15.
Authorities are scrambling because supplies are dwindling and a vaccine is expected weeks away.

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