The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a grave reminder of the long-standing challenges facing the region, which are exacerbated by decades of inadequate development and humanitarian aid cuts. François Moreillon, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the DRC, has stated that the current crisis reflects a much broader issue, with over 260 fatalities and 1,000 confirmed infections as the disease spreads rapidly through eastern regions.
A Long History of Crisis
The DRC has been grappling with a multitude of health crises, including mpox and cholera, alongside the current Ebola outbreak. According to Moreillon, the intersection of violence from militia groups and the reduction of humanitarian assistance has created an acute protection crisis, compounded by a structural crisis that has persisted for decades. “What we have is an acute protection crisis coupled with a structural crisis,” he explained, highlighting the detrimental effects of prolonged conflict on essential services.
This complicated backdrop has left many communities in dire straits, struggling to meet their basic needs even before the Ebola outbreak. As the DRC continues to face severe institutional weaknesses, the repercussions of these failures are becoming alarmingly evident.
Infrastructure on the Brink
A significant factor contributing to the region’s vulnerability is the deteriorating infrastructure, particularly in water and sanitation services. Moreillon pointed out that in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, the water service system is barely functional, having seen no significant upgrades since its establishment in the 1950s. Similarly, in Goma, around 500,000 residents rely on a single, fragile pipeline for their water supply.
With the ongoing conflict leading to the looting of clinics and a shortage of medical professionals, the situation is further exacerbated. “The absence of effective health, water, electricity and education services means that the people here have suffered not only from Ebola, but also from mpox and cholera in recent years,” Moreillon stated, underscoring the interconnected nature of these health crises.
Humanitarian Aid Cuts: A Counterproductive Approach
Last month, a UK minister acknowledged that the cuts in foreign aid from countries such as the UK, US, Germany, and France have been “counterproductive” to Ebola containment efforts. Many NGOs share this sentiment, emphasising that when humanitarian aid flows diminish—having nearly halved from 2024 to 2025—the implications for the local population are severe.
Moreillon noted that without adequate investment in infrastructure and services, the impact of these cuts becomes increasingly pronounced. “If you do not make the necessary long-term investment in these places, then the impacts of humanitarian aid cuts become much more dramatic,” he cautioned.
The Urgency of Action
The ICRC, which has been active in the DRC since the country’s independence in 1960, is now finding itself in a position where it must address urgent infrastructural needs, such as maintaining water distribution systems in Bunia and Goma. “These kinds of things should not be in our hands, but it is where we are with so many development actors pulling out,” Moreillon remarked, highlighting the necessity of immediate intervention in the face of declining support.
With the ongoing violence and a significant increase in the number of wounded civilians—rising from 1,500 in 2023 to over 4,000 in 2025—the situation remains precarious. The recent drop in contact tracing rates further complicates efforts to control the outbreak, with current rates sitting at 65%, well below the 95% threshold needed for effective containment.
Why it Matters
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC serves as a stark illustration of the dire consequences of neglecting fundamental development needs. As global citizens, it is essential to understand that the challenges faced by communities far from our own are interconnected with our lives. The repercussions of development failures and humanitarian aid cuts can reverberate across borders, reminding us of the importance of solidarity and sustained investment in global health initiatives. The crisis in the DRC is not just a regional issue; it is a global concern that calls for urgent attention and action.