US is ‘simply choosing not to stop’ Ebola outbreak after massive public health cuts, experts say
Summary
A new outbreak of the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola is spreading in central Africa, mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and possibly South Sudan. Experts say the US has significantly reduced its support for global health efforts, which is affecting efforts to control the virus and conduct important research.Key Facts
- The Bundibugyo variant of Ebola has no cure or vaccine and has caused two previous outbreaks.
- Since April, there have been about 482 suspected cases and 116 deaths reported in the DRC, with additional cases in Uganda and possible spread to South Sudan.
- The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern immediately.
- US foreign aid to the DRC dropped sharply from $1.4 billion in 2024 to $431 million in 2025, with further reductions in 2026.
- The US also cut funding to Uganda and announced it would leave the WHO, stopping a $130 million funding contribution and causing job losses.
- Key US health agencies, including USAID and the CDC, reduced staff, canceled research, and suspended Ebola response teams in the past year.
- A specialized Ebola research lab in Maryland was shut down last year, limiting the US capacity to respond and research the outbreak.
- Experts warn that cutting prevention funding will lead to more frequent and severe outbreaks.
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