CAFOD appeals for urgent aid as Ebola spreads rapidly in DR Congo, warning of rising deaths, limited resources, and a critical containment window.
Newsroom (27/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales, has issued an urgent appeal for global support as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) intensifies. The agency warns that the crisis is escalating rapidly in a context marked by insecurity, weak health systems, and limited humanitarian access.
In its report published on May 26, CAFOD confirmed it is working alongside local Church partners following the official declaration of the outbreak on May 15. The agency described the situation as critical, noting that hundreds of suspected cases and rising fatalities signal a narrowing opportunity to contain the disease.
“Our neighbours in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are suffering through an Ebola outbreak, with 536 suspected cases and 142 deaths already from this very dangerous disease,” CAFOD officials said, calling on supporters to “give now to stop the spread and save lives.”
Numbers Climb as Containment Efforts Struggle
The outbreak has expanded at an alarming pace. As of May 21, at least 536 suspected cases and 142 deaths had been documented. By May 24, suspected infections had reportedly surpassed 900, with more than 1,000 contacts under active monitoring across affected regions. Just one day later, deaths had risen beyond 220, reflecting a steep upward trajectory.
Health authorities and humanitarian responders have warned that transmission is now outpacing containment efforts, raising fears of widespread regional transmission. On May 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
By May 22, WHO had further heightened its assessment, raising the national risk level within the DRC to “very high” due to accelerating transmission and confirmed cases beyond the country’s borders.
Epicentre in Ituri, Spread Across Borders
The epicentre of the outbreak remains Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, a region already challenged by conflict and fragile infrastructure. From there, the virus has spread into neighbouring North and South Kivu provinces, including Goma, a major transportation hub that significantly increases the risk of wider transmission.
Of particular concern is confirmed cross-border spread into Uganda. Authorities identified two Ebola cases in Kampala linked to individuals who had travelled from the DRC. In response, containment efforts, including strengthened border controls, have been implemented.
Despite these measures, the outbreak continues to spread across multiple provinces, compounded by insecurity that hampers both surveillance and response operations.
Severe Resource Gaps Hampering Response
Emergency responders have raised alarm over critical shortages of protective equipment, medicines, and transport tools necessary for effective contact tracing. On May 20, frontline health workers highlighted weaknesses in surveillance systems and delays in identifying infections, particularly in conflict-affected Ituri.
Attacks on health facilities further complicate the response, undermining both the safety of medical personnel and the delivery of lifesaving care. As of May 26, humanitarian access remains severely constrained, increasing the risk that the outbreak could spiral out of control without sustained international intervention.
No Vaccine, Narrow Window for Containment
CAFOD has stressed that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine is readily available for deployment. This absence significantly complicates response efforts and heightens reliance on traditional containment strategies such as contact tracing, community education, and strict infection prevention measures.
Officials warn that there is only a “vital, narrow window of opportunity” to bring the outbreak under control before infections rise beyond manageable levels.
“The next few weeks of containment and community engagement will be critical in bringing the outbreak under control,” CAFOD said, noting that emergency funds have already been committed to support immediate action.
Faith Communities at the Frontline
Central to the response is the extensive network of Catholic Church institutions across the DRC. CAFOD emphasized that the Church operates nearly 45 percent of the country’s health facilities, making it one of the most trusted and influential healthcare providers.
Local Church partners are playing a crucial role in delivering prevention messaging, distributing hygiene kits, supporting safe and dignified burials, and assisting vulnerable families placed under quarantine. These efforts are particularly vital in remote or conflict-affected areas where government and international agencies face operational challenges.
“These dedicated local volunteers are on the ground right now, working tirelessly to build trust and reduce the number of new infections in their communities,” CAFOD officials said.
Faith leaders are also expected to play a key role in encouraging behavioral changes, leveraging community trust built during previous Ebola outbreaks.
An Urgent Call for International Solidarity
CAFOD’s appeal comes amid growing concern that the outbreak may exceed current response capacity. Donations, the agency says, will directly fund life-saving interventions, including public health education, food assistance, outbreak prevention kits, and training for local responders.
As the situation continues to evolve, the agency is urging immediate international solidarity to prevent further loss of life and contain the spread before it becomes a broader regional crisis.
Without swift and sustained action, CAFOD warns, the consequences could extend far beyond the DRC’s borders, threatening already vulnerable populations across Central and East Africa.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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