G7 leaders issued a joint statement on June 16, 2026, urging a coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda [1, 2]. The outbreak centers on Ituri province in eastern DRC and involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebolavirus [1].
As of late Tuesday, June 15, the DRC government reported 837 confirmed Ebola cases with 196 deaths. In the past 24 hours alone, 29 new cases were confirmed [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern [1].
The affected areas are isolated and conflict-affected, posing significant challenges to containment and health efforts. The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC hampers response activities, and G7 leaders called on involved parties to implement existing peace agreements, including the Washington Accords and Doha Framework [2].
Existing Ebola vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments do not fully cover the Bundibugyo strain causing this outbreak, complicating efforts to control the disease [2]. Ten African countries bordering or near the DRC face risks of spillover, according to the Africa CDC [2].
G7 partners Egypt, India, Kenya, and South Korea joined the call for a coordinated international response [1, 2]. The G7 emphasized the goal “to prevent further spread of the virus within the affected region and beyond” and to mobilize support for vaccine development and global cooperation [2].
The European Commission announced a humanitarian aid and health security program valued at approximately €493 million (around $580 million) to support outbreak response [1]. The EU’s assistance includes frontline medical support, humanitarian aid in the Great Lakes region and Uganda, vaccine and treatment research, and longer-term preparedness efforts [1].
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “This is a reminder that health security is shared security. Countries can better protect their citizens by acting together” [1]. European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib noted the pressure on frontline responders, saying, “In Bunia, I met doctors, nurses and frontline responders working under extraordinary pressure to save lives, as well as communities living with fear and uncertainty. But they are not facing this crisis alone” [1].
The G7 statement expressed sorrow over lives lost and pledged solidarity with affected communities [2]. The coordinated response aims to contain the outbreak swiftly despite the challenges posed by remote terrain and conflict.
Efforts now focus on accelerating vaccine development specific to the Bundibugyo strain and supporting the DRC and Uganda with medical supplies and humanitarian aid. Monitoring and containment measures remain critical as the outbreak continues.
