After confirmed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, children and vulnerable communities are facing growing risk. In Ituri province in eastern DRC, more than 500 suspected cases and 130 deaths had been reported as of May 19, 2026, while Uganda had reported two confirmed cases and one death. The outbreaks are linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
The situation is especially urgent because insecurity, displacement, limited humanitarian access and high population mobility are increasing the risk of wider transmission. Children are particularly vulnerable, not only to the virus itself, but to the disruption of health, nutrition, education and protection services, as well as the loss of parents and caregivers, stigma and psychosocial distress.
Despite these challenges, UNICEF is already:
- Mobilizing nearly 50 tons of infection prevention and control supplies, including disinfectants, soaps, personal protective equipment, water purification tablets and water tanks
- Dispatching an Emergency Rapid Response team to provide technical assistance, including risk communication and community engagement to help families reduce infection risk
- Accelerating funding, staffing and operational support to respond more quickly in affected and at-risk areas
- Collaborating with partners, including WHO and Africa CDC, in support of government-led response efforts
UNICEF is working urgently to help contain the outbreak, support frontline responders and protect children and families. Your flexible support helps UNICEF meet the urgent needs of children. Unrestricted donations help UNICEF provide vital aid to children worldwide and will be directed to the area of greatest need.
