AGP Executive Report

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 676 and deaths climbing as health authorities warn of community transmission and weak contact tracing. World Cup Fallout: The DRC national team finally arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup after being forced into a 21-day quarantine in Europe due to Ebola fears, with coach Sébastien Desabre saying he hopes the squad can deliver a “good showing” for a country under strain. Testing Shortfalls: WHO reports Ebola testing kits ran out in multiple DRC labs, threatening delays in confirming cases, isolating patients, and tracking contacts. Regional Picture: Africa CDC says Uganda’s outbreak is “under control,” but still reports 19 cases linked to travel from the DRC. Sports, but with pressure: As Congo prepares to open in Houston, the wider tournament begins amid heightened health concerns and travel scrutiny. Media/Access: New World TV expands 2026 World Cup distribution across several African countries via an Orange deal, including DRC.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 676 (with 127 deaths reported in the latest reporting), as the outbreak spreads into more health zones, including Tchomia in Ituri. Contact-Tracing Pressure: Africa CDC warns that contact tracing gaps and funding shortfalls could let transmission accelerate, stressing that each confirmed case should trigger far more follow-up contacts than is currently being tracked. WHO on World Cup Risk: Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the WHO says the risk of Ebola transmission in Europe and host countries is low, with no active cases reported there—while urging people to stay prepared. EU and U.S. Support: The EU highlights its on-the-ground support after a visit to Ebola-hit areas, and the U.S. has pledged more funding to boost preparedness as the WHO emergency response scales up. Kenya Alert: Health workers in the region are on edge as officials warn of possible spread and push for strict isolation and screening.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo reported Ebola cases rising to 635 with 127 deaths, as health officials say contact follow-up is improving (61.1%) and recoveries bring the total to 30. Testing and Access Strain: Reuters reports labs in key areas have run out of supplies, while security and armed groups in Ituri keep delaying access to affected zones. Human Cost in Ituri: Two babies from a Bunia orphanage—where suspected cases were detected after a newborn died—highlight how quickly the outbreak is hitting children. Community Trust Push: Human Rights Watch urges Kinshasa and partners to prioritize community engagement and reduce the role of security forces in response. Regional Pressure and Funding: The U.S. announced more Ebola preparedness money for East Africa, while the U.S. and Europe call for tighter coordination to prevent wider spread. DRC Economy Watch: Chronic energy shortages are now flagged as a threat to cobalt output stability, with grid problems forcing costly self-generation or reduced processing. M23 Abuses: HRW says M23 has forcibly recruited thousands and detained civilians in inhumane conditions across eastern DRC.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: DR Congo’s Ministry of Health says confirmed Ebola cases have reached 597 with 109 deaths, with transmission concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu amid insecurity and weak contact tracing. Lab Bottlenecks: WHO warns that three Congo labs have run out of testing supplies, delaying results as the outbreak nears 600 cases. Children at Risk: Reuters reports two infants died of Ebola at a church-run orphanage in Bunia, while other babies were discharged after negative tests—underscoring how quickly the virus can spread in vulnerable settings. Health System Strain: Congolese doctors plan to strike from 11 June over pay and working conditions, even as emergency services say they will keep treating the most vulnerable. Cross-Border Pressure: Angola has boosted Ebola defenses along the DRC border with surveillance teams, training, public awareness and supplies to speed up detection. Regional Security Fallout: Human Rights Watch says Rwanda-backed M23 is forcibly recruiting and abusing thousands in eastern DRC, including children as young as 12.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: The Democratic Republic of Congo says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 598, with 115 deaths, as health authorities warn of continued community transmission and possible rapid geographic spread amid insecurity and shortages. Regional Security Strain: The UN says violence and mass displacement in eastern DR Congo are disrupting Ebola surveillance and care, with attacks on civilians and ongoing clashes in areas tied to the outbreak. Cross-Border Pressure: Uganda’s Museveni urged stronger East and Central Africa cooperation with the DRC, while WHO contact tracing progress remains below target. Nigeria Steps Up: Nigeria’s Tinubu approved an Ebola preparedness task force and released N10bn for emergency response, including intensified airport screening. Global Response Funding: The EU announced €16.5m in fresh support for Ebola containment, including surveillance, diagnostics and supplies. Human Rights Alarm in Eastern Congo: Human Rights Watch reports forced recruitment and abusive detention by M23 and Rwandan forces, calling for accountability. World Cup Fallout: DR Congo’s final warm-up against Chile was moved after a Spanish town refused to host over Ebola fears, while the U.S. urges Europe to tighten travel rules ahead of the tournament. Supply Chain Ethics: A new investigation alleges major tech brands may have sourced coltan linked to M23 atrocities in eastern DR Congo.

Ebola Response, DRC: The WHO reports the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths, with Uganda recording 19 confirmed cases and two deaths; WHO says contact tracing is improving but still below target, as mistrust and attacks on burial teams and treatment sites hamper progress. EU Aid: The European Union pledged an additional $18 million to strengthen medical capacity, rapid response teams, surveillance, contact tracing, and community awareness in the DRC. International Support: Chinese medical experts met IFRC officials in Kinshasa to coordinate prevention, case management, lab testing, and training, while Starlink delivered 150 internet kits to Africa CDC to help frontline teams in remote Ituri. On-the-ground Strain: Reuters reports medics in eastern DRC are struggling with shortages of basic protective gear and supplies, warning PPE could run out soon. Regional Fallout: Kenya’s protests against a US-linked Ebola quarantine centre in Nanyuki turned violent again, with police firing tear gas and reports of a fatal shooting—highlighting regional tensions around the DRC outbreak. World Cup Angle: US enhanced Ebola screening is expanding to Atlanta for World Cup travel, as DRC’s team prepares for its tournament return.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DR Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 550 confirmed cases and 101 deaths, with 35 new cases and 10 more deaths reported in the last 24 hours, as transmission keeps trending upward in Ituri and North Kivu. Armed Groups Hamper Response: Officials warn that armed groups are limiting humanitarian access, while attacks on burial teams and treatment centres continue to disrupt care. Lab and Tracing Strain: The response is under pressure from pending lab results due to reagent shortages and contact follow-up still below the 95% target. Regional Spillover and Border Debate: WHO says Uganda should reconsider its border closure because blanket travel bans don’t work, even as the outbreak reaches Uganda with 19 confirmed cases. Vaccine Race: Scientists and partners are pushing three new Ebola vaccine candidates for the Bundibugyo strain, but infection control remains critical while trials move forward. Humanitarian Aid Boost: The U.S. has announced $240 million in disaster and humanitarian funding for Catholic Relief Services, including support for Ebola response in DR Congo.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: The WHO says Ebola cases and deaths have “increased rapidly” since late May, with DR Congo now at 515 confirmed infections and 91 deaths, as better testing and diagnosis drive the jump; the outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri, with contact tracing ongoing and infections reported across 25 health zones. WHO Pushes Cross-Border Response: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Uganda and praised its border screening and case management, urging reconsideration of blanket border closures and stressing cross-border collaboration to stop exportation from Congo. Aid and Treatment Capacity Boost: Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of medical supplies to support DR Congo’s Ebola response, while UNICEF scaled up emergency shipments to the epicenter with PPE, medicines and WASH materials. Regional Plan and EU Pressure: WHO and partners unveiled a $518 million regional plan to strengthen prevention, early detection and treatment, and the EU warned that the DR Congo ceasefire has become a health emergency as conflict disrupts access to care. Frontline Recovery Story: An American doctor treated for Ebola in Germany was released after testing negative, highlighting the importance of timely care.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: DR Congo’s health ministry says confirmed Ebola cases have climbed to 515 with 91 deaths, as testing expands in Ituri and officials warn transmission could rise further without faster control, with weak contact tracing and shortages still slowing the response. Cross-Border Spread: Uganda confirmed three new Ebola infections, bringing its total to 19, with most cases linked to travel from the DRC across a porous border. WHO Raises the Alarm: The WHO chief says containing Ebola depends on political commitment, sustained funding, and community trust, pointing to a $518 million Africa preparedness and response plan for June–November 2026, while the outbreak has been elevated to an international emergency. Ceasefire Tied to Health Access: The EU says a ceasefire is now a health emergency, flying 100 tonnes of aid to Bunia and urging safe access for health workers amid insecurity that hampers containment. Local Resistance and Misinformation: Reports from eastern Congo describe angry attacks on Ebola facilities fueled by rumors the virus is fake or linked to aid and land grabs, worsening efforts to keep patients and burials safe. Regional Travel Curbs: The UAE has imposed entry restrictions on travelers from Ebola-affected countries, while essential cargo and transit continue.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DR Congo: Congo health authorities confirmed 71 new Ebola cases, bringing totals to 452 infections and 82 deaths, with warnings of rapid community transmission in Ituri as the outbreak spreads toward Uganda. Regional Response Boost: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518 million, six-month emergency plan, while countries including Rwanda said they are ready to respond and Kenya set up an isolation centre at the Taveta-Holili border. Misinformation Fuels Attacks: Reports from eastern Congo describe crowds storming Ebola treatment facilities after conspiracy claims that the virus is fake or tied to aid money, driving patients to flee and making containment harder. Cross-Border Pressure and Travel Curbs: The UAE imposed a travel ban on new visas for travellers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and the US expanded Ebola screening at major airports as global concern grows. Healthcare Recovery Case: An American doctor treated in Germany after contracting Ebola in Congo was declared cured and released, highlighting the value of advanced care.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: WHO says the Central Africa Ebola outbreak is nearing 500 confirmed cases, with 452 cases and 82 deaths in DR Congo and 19 cases and 2 deaths in Uganda—up sharply from the day before—while CDC warns the outbreak could reach 20,000 cases within three months without stronger action. Berlin Recovery Story: A U.S. doctor, Peter Stafford, who contracted Ebola in DR Congo, has been discharged from Charité in Berlin after tests showed no virus since May 30; his family members were also cleared. DR Congo Death Toll Rises: The DRC Health Ministry reports confirmed Ebola deaths have climbed to 86 and cases to 488 as medical isolation capacity is expanded in Ituri. Travel Curbs Spread: UAE has suspended new visas and barred entry for travellers from Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan, while Mauritius temporarily bans entry for foreign nationals from the same countries and requires a 21-day quarantine for residents/returnees. Humanitarian and Health Support: WHO handed medical supplies to Zambia to bolster Ebola preparedness, including PPE and lab reagents, as the region braces for further spread. Local Impact: Reports also highlight how insecurity and strained health systems are making containment harder on the ground.

Ebola Surge in DRC: The WHO says the Central Africa Ebola outbreak has climbed to 452 confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 82 deaths, with Uganda reporting 19 cases and two deaths—bringing the regional total to 471 cases and 84 deaths. Worst-Case Warning: The CDC cautions the outbreak could exceed 20,000 cases within three months if interventions don’t scale fast enough. Funding Push: The WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518 million six-month response plan, while the US says it is adding nearly $38 million more to its Ebola support, bringing direct US funding to over $200 million. Response Under Strain: DRC health officials cite gaps in contact tracing, treatment capacity, infection-prevention supplies, and a major funding shortfall as testing accelerates and community transmission concerns grow. Security and Health Workers: The Red Cross condemned an attack on burial volunteers in Bunia, warning that violence against responders undermines efforts to contain the virus. Cross-Border Disruption: Trade on the Uganda–DRC border is reportedly slowing as Ebola restrictions leave trucks stranded and goods spoiling.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases jumped to 452, with 82 deaths, after 71 new cases were reported in Ituri and North Kivu—an alarming sign of rapid community transmission. Response Gaps: Health officials say contact tracing is a major weak point (only 57.8% of contacts seen), alongside resistance to post-mortem swabbing, limited treatment capacity, medicine shortages, and a $21.5m funding gap. Regional Push: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m six-month plan to tackle Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda, while the US added $38m more to its response, warning the outbreak could reach 20,000+ cases without strong interventions. Security Threats: UN aid workers warn renewed violence in eastern DR Congo is disrupting access and could hamper Ebola response efforts. Cross-border Measures: Mauritius and the UAE tightened entry rules for travelers linked to DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, and Kenya continues screening thousands of travelers while reporting no confirmed cases.

Ebola Response Boost: WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518m, June-to-November plan to contain the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and neighboring Uganda, focusing on coordination, surveillance, lab testing, infection control, clinical care, and community engagement. DR Congo Case Update: The outbreak is reported at about 381 confirmed cases and 64 deaths in DR Congo, with Ituri the hardest hit; WHO says the response is “catching up” after the virus had a head start. Uganda Spillover: Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases, bringing totals to 19 infections and one additional death, with most cases linked to contacts from DR Congo. Community Trust Crisis: Reporting from Ituri highlights how mistrust and rumors are slowing control efforts, with attacks on burial teams and people rejecting the disease. Frontline Culture: Traditional healers are increasingly involved in the response in eastern DR Congo, blending herbal remedies and rituals as health workers struggle to reach communities. Cross-Border Pressure: Nigeria’s health agency warned the risk of Ebola importation is high and stepped up screening and preparedness. Sports Disruption: DR Congo condemned Spain’s cancellation of a Chile friendly over Ebola fears, saying it unfairly disrupts World Cup preparations.

Ebola Surge in Eastern DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed 389 Ebola cases, including 63 deaths, with infections now reported across 17 of 36 health zones in Ituri—the outbreak epicentre—while North Kivu and South Kivu also record new infections. Safe Burials Under Attack: Health officials say residents attacked an Ebola burial team in Katana (South Kivu), forcing responders to abandon a coffin and raising fears of fresh transmission; similar cemetery violence in Bunia left people injured. Aid and Supplies Scaling Up: Australia pledged about US$3.6 million to support the Red Cross and WHO for Ebola care, surveillance, and water and sanitation, while partners like WaterStep push disinfectant tools for frontline response. Community and Misinformation Fight: The Bishop of Goma says churches are key to countering rumours and improving prevention, as fear and resistance continue to disrupt care. Regional Pressure: Uganda confirmed one new case, bringing its total to 16, as WHO and partners urge calm and faster, coordinated preparedness. Security Fallout: In the same eastern region, Islamic State-linked ADF fighters killed 16 civilians in Beni, adding to the strain on health operations.

Ebola Update (DRC): Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have climbed to 363, with 62 deaths, while Uganda reports four recoveries. WHO says the virus “initially moved ahead” but response efforts are now “catching up,” even as gaps remain in testing, contact tracing, and community trust. Regional Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports, and land borders, setting up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response. Community Frontline: In Ituri, traditional healers claim they can treat Ebola, while the Bishop of Goma says churches are trusted locally but have faced attacks on treatment centres and rising tensions over burial restrictions. Cross-Border Fallout: Spain has cancelled DR Congo’s World Cup warm-up against Chile over Ebola fears, and the team is now seeking an alternative venue. Kenya-US Ebola Facility Row: Kenya’s President William Ruto defended allowing the US to build an Ebola quarantine facility despite protests and court orders, saying it is the “right thing.” Humanitarian Pressure: Aid groups warn the outbreak is worsening amid conflict and displacement, with funding shortfalls threatening the scale of the response.