Urgent Ebola Support: Save DRC-Uganda Border Lives

Dear Donor,

Thank you for standing with Development Alert as communities across the region continue to face the threat of Ebola. The latest figures show that sustained community awareness and effective public health coordination remain urgently needed.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of 26 October 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) had recorded 10,141 confirmed cases and 4,928 related deaths, with 2,708 people reported to have recovered. Nearly 1,000 patients were hospitalized in isolation, and the outbreak continued to affect eight provinces. 

Kenya had reported nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, by 26 October. Nigeria had reported one confirmed case on 20 October; the patient was subsequently medically evacuated to Switzerland for treatment. Investigations and contact follow-up remained ongoing. 

These developments remind us that an effective response requires more than emergency treatment. Communities need reliable information, timely referral to qualified health workers, safe hygiene practices, and support to reduce barriers to following public health guidance.

Development Alert continues to emphasize community awareness, preparedness, and practical support for vulnerable people as priorities in the wider response. We recognize that trusted local communication can help counter misinformation, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek care early.

Your generosity helps keep these priorities in focus. Thank you for supporting Development Alert’s commitment to safer, better-informed, and more resilient communities during this challenging public health emergency.

Thank you for supporting Development Alert’s commitment to healthier, safer communities. Recent developments demonstrate how cross-border cooperation and investment in frontline healthcare can help strengthen Ebola preparedness and protect people at risk.

On 25 October, Uganda reported that it had deployed more than 120 medical personnel and established three Ebola treatment centres in the DRC, with a combined capacity of 240 beds. The teams are operating in Aru, Kasenyi, and Butembo, supporting treatment, laboratory testing, and infection prevention alongside Congolese health authorities. A fourth centre was expected to open near the Uganda–DRC border. The reported expansion of local testing has also helped shorten the time needed to obtain results. 

These interventions are important because bringing testing and treatment closer to affected communities can reduce delays in diagnosis and help patients receive appropriate care sooner. Strong infection prevention procedures also help protect healthcare workers and reduce exposure risks in health facilities.

Community preparedness remains equally important. People need trustworthy information, clear referral pathways, safe hygiene practices, and reassurance that seeking medical attention promptly is the right step when illness is suspected.

Development Alert recognizes the importance of connecting community awareness with the work of trained health teams and public health authorities. We remain committed to promoting prevention messages and encouraging community participation in preparedness efforts.

Your support helps keep community health, dignity, and resilience at the centre of our mission. Thank you for helping build a stronger foundation for prevention and emergency response.