UN warns of Ebola risk in Ituri displacement camps as deaths rise and response needs funding

The United Nations flagged a deteriorating Ebola situation in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where overcrowding and poor sanitation in displacement camps are heightening transmission risk.

Spokesperson Steph said more than 270,000 people — mostly women and children — are sheltering in over 60 sites across Ituri, with many sites lacking adequate water, sanitation and health services. The briefing reported that response teams were urgently investigating at least 13 deaths in two camps in Bunia between June 17–18 to determine whether they were linked to Ebola and that 62 deaths had been reported in camps in the city since April.

The spokesperson described the Ebola flare‑up as unfolding amid a broader humanitarian crisis. She cited the 2026 humanitarian response plan that seeks $1.4 billion to respond to needs for 7.3 million people and said the appeal was just over half funded, with approximately $745 million received to date.

UN partners and OCHA are working with local authorities to scale up sanitation, community engagement and prevention efforts, but the spokesperson said current measures are insufficient given the scale of needs.