The United States has committed more than $162 million to the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, making it the largest financial contributor to the international effort. Meanwhile, aid organizations are relying on the US Ebola response funds to expand treatment and prevention programs as health authorities race to contain the outbreak.
US Ebola response tops $162 million despite aid cuts
The U.S. Department of State said its Ebola response commitment has now exceeded $162 million and continues to grow. The disclosure comes as governments, NGOs, and international organizations scale up containment efforts across Central Africa.
According to an official press release, the funding supports activities designed to stop the outbreak at its source and reduce the risk of international spread. US assistance is funding disease surveillance, contact tracing, diagnostic testing, infection prevention, treatment facilities, and public health communications in the region.
Several humanitarian organizations are already using the funding to expand operations. The surge in funding comes months after the Trump-led administration cut USAID.
UNICEF has imported 100 tons of water, sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention supplies into the DRC. Additionally, the agency has delivered infection prevention materials to 48 health centers in high-risk districts across Uganda.
The U.S. is proud to be the largest financial contributor to the Ebola response effort. @StateDept’s assistance commitment to combat the outbreak has exceeded $162 million and is growing, enabling implementing organizations to expand the ongoing response in Africa.…
— US Africa Media Hub (@AfricaMediaHub) June 1, 2026
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has deployed personal protective equipment, screening equipment, and hygiene supplies while supporting surveillance operations at airports and border crossings throughout the region.
With US Ebola response funding, Samaritan’s Purse has completed two flights carrying 24 tons of protective equipment and medical supplies for a 40-bed Ebola treatment center in Bunia.
The State Department said US-funded organizations have deployed more than 1,300 health workers, expanded laboratory capacity, delivered Ebola testing cartridges, and strengthened community engagement programs to combat misinformation and improve prevention efforts.
Other countries contributing to Ebola containment efforts
Apart from the US, other countries have donated funds to Ebola-hit nations. The European Union contributed €15 million in humanitarian assistance, funding the supply of 100 tons of relief materials.
Furthermore, China waded in by sending a medical team to Central Africa, but no official aid figures have been announced. Meanwhile, Mexico and Canada are coordinating travel health measures with the UK, and Switzerland has allocated funds to Ebola relief efforts.
Non-governmental agencies have also announced contributions to fight the spread of the disease. The Gates Foundation made a $15 million emergency commitment while the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) has committed $150 million to support vaccine creation efforts.
Additional humanitarian funding supports the wider region
Beyond the US Ebola response, the United States has provided $350 million through OCHA-managed pooled funds for broader humanitarian operations in the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Additionally, the Department of State has mobilized another $50 million for OCHA’s Central Emergency Response Fund to support the rapid establishment of up to 50 Ebola response clinics. The funding forms part of a broader $1.8 billion U.S. contribution to OCHA announced earlier this month.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials continue to coordinate with governments across the region to strengthen preparedness efforts. On May 28, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto discussed Ebola preparedness measures, with the United States signaling its intention to commit $13.5 million to support Kenya’s response capacity.