Red Cross Intensifies Regional Ebola Preparedness as DRC Outbreak Continues, South Sudan Remains on Alert
By Sasuk Taban
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has stepped up its regional response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, continue strengthening preparedness measures to prevent the disease from spreading across borders.
According to the latest IFRC Operational Update released on July 14, the Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, remains a major public health concern in eastern DRC. As of July 10, the country had recorded 1,873 confirmed cases and 672 deaths, with infections reported in 41 health zones across five provinces. Uganda has also confirmed 20 cases and two deaths, raising concerns over cross-border transmission.
The IFRC said projections by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) indicate that the outbreak has not yet reached its peak, with confirmed cases expected to increase further unless transmission is brought under control.
To support the response, the IFRC has launched a regional emergency operation covering DRC, Uganda and neighbouring high-risk countries. Although the emergency appeal has surpassed its initial funding target, the organization said additional resources will be needed as the outbreak evolves and operational demands grow.
In South Sudan, no Ebola cases have been confirmed. However, the South Sudan Red Cross has intensified preparedness activities in eight high-risk border locations identified by the government. So far, 135 volunteers have been trained in psychological first aid, community-based surveillance and risk communication, while 87 volunteers have completed training in safe and dignified burials.
The organization has also distributed 800 Ebola awareness posters, reached more than 4,400 people through community outreach campaigns, and conducted four radio talk shows to raise public awareness, address misinformation and encourage early reporting of suspected cases.
Across the region, Red Cross teams have reached more than 616,000 people with health information, screened nearly 400,000 travellers at border points, supported 26 screening sites and installed 86 handwashing stations to strengthen infection prevention and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
The IFRC also warned that the response in eastern DRC continues to face significant security challenges. Attacks on Ebola treatment centres and Red Cross volunteers have disrupted humanitarian operations, while misinformation and community mistrust continue to hamper disease control efforts. Since the beginning of 2026, 19 serious security incidents involving Red Cross volunteers have been reported, including the killing of two volunteers in South Kivu in June.
The organization said it will continue working with governments, health authorities and humanitarian partners to strengthen surveillance, community engagement, infection prevention, safe burials and cross-border coordination to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable communities across the region.
