The United States has announced an additional $80 million in funding to support efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The new allocation brings total US assistance for the response to $112 million since the outbreak began, according to a statement released by the State Department on Thursday.
The US government said the funding is aimed at strengthening containment measures and preventing further international spread of the virus.
Officials explained that the support will be used to provide protective equipment for healthcare workers, improve border screening systems, supply diagnostic test kits, and enhance other critical response needs.
“The US government continues a comprehensive and coordinated response to contain the Ebola outbreak at its source to protect the American people and prevent further international spread,” the statement said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reiterated the administration’s commitment to preventing the disease from reaching the United States.
The announcement comes amid reports of criticism from opposition Democrats and humanitarian organisations over the broader US response to the outbreak, particularly following changes in America’s global health and aid structures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported at least 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola-related deaths in DR Congo since the outbreak was declared on May 15, with over 1,000 suspected and confirmed cases recorded.
Health officials warn that the actual scale of the outbreak may be higher than current figures suggest, as monitoring and reporting efforts continue across affected regions.
