France to Step Up Ebola Funding in DR Congo

France will step up its support to eradicate Ebola in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Saturday during a visit to the region.

Speaking in the northeastern city of Bunia, where health officials also identified a confirmed mpox case in mid-September, Barrot warned that the virus could quickly resurge if international vigilance wanes.

He pledged to propose additional humanitarian funding during upcoming French budget discussions, building on the €13.4 million ($15.1 million) France already allocated to fight Ebola between January and July.

Read More : DR Congo Ebola Deaths Surpass 4,000

Barrot highlighted France’s ongoing strategy through direct humanitarian aid, targeted medical research, and the PRISM initiative launched during President Emmanuel Macron’s 2023 visit.

France to step up Ebola funding in DR Congo (News Central TV) — Members of the Civil Protection, a local community-based team that works to help mitigate the spread of the Ebola virus and ensure burials happen safely and quickly, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, July 10, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Gradel Muyisa Mumbere

He commended Congolese authorities, UN agencies, and frontline healthcare workers for containing the outbreak and preventing its spread into major urban centres.

Addressing concerns after a case surfaced in France, Barrot assured reporters that authorities must focus on fighting the epidemic where it emerges rather than giving in to fear, confirming that France will host a national humanitarian conference in Paris on October 6 to address the crisis.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.