UN chief condemns 'indifference' as Ebola cases mount in DR Congo

The Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) requires 'urgent' action and funding to rein in its alarming spread, the UN Secretary-General told reporters at UN Headquarters on Thursday. He noted 500 new cases are being reported every week while the humanitarian response remains only 48 per cent funded. Estimates show current resources will last only weeks, not months, as the epidemic spreads faster than the response to contain it. He called for an additional $1.1 billion, warning that without it, vital operations will run out of money. The outbreak is spreading in a region where decades of conflict have displaced populations and weakened health infrastructure; in Ituri province alone, one million people have been displaced, and more than 12 million in the region need aid. Insecurity hinders the response, with over 40 healthcare workers killed and treatment centres attacked. Local artists and influencers, including UNICEF ambassador Lokua Kanza, are raising awareness. Religious leaders and former combatants are also involved. UN agencies are supporting preparedness in Burundi, which is at higher risk due to proximity. Meanwhile, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Uganda was declared over on Thursday after 42 days without a new case.