Leaders from the G7 nations, alongside partner countries including Egypt, India, Kenya, and the Republic of Korea, have issued a collective call for a strong and coordinated international response to the re-emerging Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The current outbreak, centred in a remote, conflict-affected region of the DRC, is proving particularly challenging due to its location and the nature of the viral strain involved.
The G7 communiqué, released on 16 June 2026, highlighted the deep sadness over the loss of life and the immense burden placed on affected communities. A key concern is that the existing vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies are not fully effective against this rare viral strain, known as Bundibugyo ebolavirus, which complicates medical treatment and containment efforts. The isolated and conflict-ridden nature of the affected area further hinders the logistics of response teams and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
Recalling previous G7 efforts to combat Ebola, the leaders affirmed their commitment to working with partner countries to overcome these significant challenges. The immediate goal is to prevent the further spread of the virus, both within the eastern DRC and to neighbouring countries, as well as to other parts of the world. Effective containment strategies will rely heavily on robust contact tracing, stringent infection prevention and control measures, quarantine and isolation practices, and enhanced cross-border preparedness and surveillance.
Substantial financial and technical support has already been mobilised. The United States has rapidly deployed over $370 million in health and humanitarian resources to the region, committing up to an additional $500 million specifically for Ebola response efforts, alongside $650 million in broader humanitarian support for the Great Lakes region. The European Union is providing €493 million in emergency aid, vaccines, treatment, and health security support for the Great Lakes and Uganda, including €84 million in immediate humanitarian aid and research funding. The Continental Preparedness and Response Plan is also mobilising $518 million to support African countries in their detection and response efforts. The G7 is urging other countries and partners beyond the group to dedicate resources to tackling this global threat, recognising the importance of a unified front.
The UK Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is closely monitoring the situation. Current FCDO travel advice for the Democratic Republic of Congo advises against all but essential travel to the country, and against all travel to specific eastern regions due to ongoing conflict and instability, which would include areas affected by the Ebola outbreak. For Uganda, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 50km of the border with the DRC, specifically referencing the risk of Ebola transmission. British nationals planning travel to the wider region are advised to check the latest FCDO guidance and register their travel plans.
This global health crisis carries potential implications for international travel and trade, particularly given upcoming global events like the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While direct trade implications for the UK are currently limited, the potential for wider spread could impact global supply chains and economic stability. The G7's call for a humanitarian reset, led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, aims to reach 87 million people with lifesaving aid in 2026, with G7 members providing over two-thirds of the funding raised so far this year.