The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has reinforced its support for the international humanitarian response to the Ebola outbreak detected in East Africa through a total contribution of 1.2 million euros to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The initiative is channelled through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation and aims to strengthen containment measures and healthcare assistance in the most affected areas and territories facing the highest risk of virus transmission.
Spain’s contribution includes 700,000 euros allocated to the regular budget of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, together with an additional 500,000 euros specifically directed to the regional emergency appeal launched to address the outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and neighbouring countries in East Africa.
The health emergency was declared following the confirmation on 15 May of an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in Ituri province, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The identified strain has a high fatality rate and currently no vaccine or specific treatment is available, making prevention, epidemiological surveillance and community-based response essential tools for containing the spread of the disease.
TDB keeps you informed. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Ebola outbreak in East Africa: Spain allocates €1.2 million to contain the emergency
Humanitarian forecasts estimate that between 12 and 18 million people are living in areas considered to be at high risk of transmission. The international operation led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies aims to provide direct assistance to approximately three million people through coordinated prevention and healthcare response measures.
The action plan supported by Spain includes comprehensive measures focused on community-based prevention and intervention. Planned activities include community surveillance and contact tracing, safe and dignified burials, infection prevention and control measures, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as health promotion campaigns, psychosocial support and communication initiatives designed to combat misinformation and strengthen public trust.
The humanitarian response places particular attention on border areas and mobility routes between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, where outbreak-related cases have already been detected. Other neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, have also reinforced their preparedness and health surveillance systems in response to the growing regional risk driven by cross-border mobility, population displacement and fragile healthcare infrastructures.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, composed of 191 national societies, is implementing the operation mainly through the humanitarian organisations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, both of which have extensive experience in managing epidemic emergencies and a strong territorial presence.
Through this contribution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation and to strengthening coordinated humanitarian responses to global health emergencies requiring rapid and sustained action.