Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda threatens children’s lives
A deadly Ebola outbreak is unfolding across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, where the World Health Organization has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Children face not only the risk of infection, but also the loss of parents, reduced access to healthcare, and growing threats to their safety and wellbeing. As of 28 May 2026, more than 900 cases and 220 deaths have already been reported – highlighting the urgent need for a rapid response to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain.
In the DRC, where many families are already living through ongoing conflict and displacement, the outbreak is deepening existing challenges. Disruption to essential services, stigma and protection risks are leaving children increasingly exposed, while constrained access and population movement heighten the risk of further spread.
Your support is urgently needed to scale up efforts. Give today to help stop the spread and protect every child at risk.
Ebola Emergency Appeal
Children’s lives are at risk as an Ebola outbreak spreads rapidly. Help send urgent supplies today.
What makes the 2026 Ebola outbreak so urgent?
With a high mortality rate and no approved vaccine or treatment, the current Bundibugyo virus outbreak in DRC and Uganda poses a severe threat to children and families. It is centred in Ituri Province of the DRC, a region already affected by insecurity, conflict and displacement. These conditions are making it harder to reach communities and increasing the risk of transmission, as people move between affected and neighbouring areas.
Ebola spreads through direct contact and can be fatal. For this strain, there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment, making prevention, early detection and rapid response critical to saving lives.
How is UNICEF responding?
UNICEF is on the ground, working alongside our partners to contain the spread and protect children. Nearly 50 tonnes of essential supplies have already been mobilised to affected areas, but as the virus continues to spread, urgent support is needed to reach every child at risk.
We are delivering lifesaving support, including:
- Infection prevention supplies such as soap, disinfectants and hygiene materials
- Personal protective equipment for frontline workers
- Water purification tablets to help stop transmission
- Community education to help families understand how to protect themselves
How will my donation help children impacted by the Ebola outbreak?
UNICEF has been in the DRC since 1963, working alongside our partners to provide lifesaving healthcare, water sanitation and hygiene to help fight against life-threatening diseases. Supplies are being delivered right now, but more are urgently needed.
- $100 could provide 190 bars of soap, helping to prevent the spread of disease.
- $140 could provide 29,365 water purification tablets, enough to create safe water for drinking, washing and cooking for 315 children a month.
- $500 can help protect 10 health workers with personal protective equipment including gloves, masks and boots.
- 78¢on average, 78 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went directly to helping children in need, including long-term programs, emergency response and community education.
- 22¢on average, 15 cents to every dollar spent for the past three years went to essential fundraising costs that helped us generate more impact for children, 7 cents went to admin costs, such as keeping your personal data safe.
How do we use each dollar donated?
Your gift will support children impacted by this emergency, and crisis around the world. If you choose to donate monthly or should we receive more funds than is needed for this emergency, your gift will support UNICEF's work where the need is greatest. Find out more about our financial management in our annual report.
