Ebola Outbreak Spreads in DRC and Uganda: UNICEF Scales Up Emergency Response

[May 18, 2026 - New York/Kampala (Uganda)/Kinshasa (DRC)]

UNICEF is deeply concerned about the confirmed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and the escalating risks to children and socially vulnerable populations across the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

A total of 246 suspected cases have been reported, with 80 suspected deaths recorded in Ituri province, eastern DRC. Additionally, two cases have been reported in Uganda, with one fatality. These figures underscore the urgency of ensuring cross-border coordination while supporting national governments in leading rapid response efforts through community engagement.

The current virus is the 'Bundibugyo strain,' which differs from the more common 'Zaire strain.' Currently, there are no approved vaccines or treatments for this specific strain. This particular outbreak is believed to have started in late April.

The risk of rapid spread within and around the affected areas is high due to security instability, operational constraints, and frequent population movement. Children are particularly vulnerable to the secondary impacts of the outbreak, including the interruption of essential social services, the loss of parents or caregivers, social stigma, severe psychosocial distress, and increased protection risks.

UNICEF has already transported approximately 50 tons of infection prevention and control (IPC) supplies—including disinfectants, soap, personal protective equipment (PPE), water purification chemicals, and storage tanks—to Bunia in Ituri province. Furthermore, multidisciplinary emergency response teams have been dispatched to provide technical assistance in priority areas. Their work includes supporting risk communication and community engagement to help people understand transmission routes and how to reduce risk. While over 2,000 community health workers are already in place, additional capacity and resources are urgently needed to reach remote and underserved areas.

In response to the outbreak, UNICEF has activated its highest level of emergency classification (Level 3 Organizational Emergency), significantly scaling up preparedness and response efforts across the affected and high-risk regions. This activation enables rapid allocation of flexible funding, swift deployment of emergency personnel, simplified operational procedures for country offices, and enhanced coordination between regional offices and headquarters to support affected children and families. UNICEF is also collaborating with partners, including the WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), to support government-led efforts.

Ebola outbreaks endanger children every time they occur, not only through the direct risk of the virus but also by straining health, nutrition, education, and protection systems. UNICEF urgently calls for immediate, safe, and sustained humanitarian access to reach vulnerable children and families, particularly in the affected areas of eastern DRC.

Swift action, trust-based community engagement, and sustained support for frontline responders and community health workers—who themselves face significant risks—are critical to protecting children and preventing further spread of the infection.