US is ‘simply choosing not to stop’ Ebola outbreak after massive public health cuts, experts say
A new Ebola outbreak is spreading in central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the US government reportedly doing little to assist. Experts attribute this lack of response to significant cuts in public health funding and resources, particularly from USAID. The outbreak has resulted in hundreds of suspected cases and deaths, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the global health response.
- ▪The DRC has reported 482 suspected cases and about 116 deaths since April.
- ▪US foreign assistance to the DRC dropped dramatically from $1.4 billion in 2024 to only $21 million so far in 2026.
- ▪Experts warn that the US's withdrawal from global health efforts could lead to more outbreaks in the future.
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Congolese children read an advocacy poster about the new Ebola outbreak in Bunia, Ituri province, DRC, on 20 May 2026. Photograph: Gradel Muyisa Mumbere/ReutersView image in fullscreenCongolese children read an advocacy poster about the new Ebola outbreak in Bunia, Ituri province, DRC, on 20 May 2026. Photograph: Gradel Muyisa Mumbere/ReutersEbolaUS is ‘simply choosing not to stop’ Ebola outbreak after massive public health cuts, experts sayHundreds of cases reported in the DRC after USAID has been dismantled and key scientific research canceledMelody SchreiberThu 21 May 2026 06.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA previously undetected outbreak of Ebola is coursing through parts of central Africa, and the US appears to be doing little to help stop it, after massive cuts to global…
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