Health · 2026-10-23 · Afternoon briefing

Hunger complicates Ebola fight as outbreak hits eighth DRC province

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to an eighth province, with the UN warning on Friday that widespread hunger is undermining containment efforts. The outbreak, first declared on May 15th, has also crossed international borders; Nigeria confirmed an imported case on October 20th, becoming the fifth country to detect the virus.

The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that families protecting themselves from the virus often lose the ability to secure food. The agency says food assistance is vital for patients to regain strength and for communities to follow health guidance without forgoing income. The WFP is seeking $115 million for its response over the next six months, including $79 million for hot meals and dry rations.

David Stevenson, the WFP's country director, noted that while food does not treat Ebola, medical teams are forced to operate amid severe food insecurity and continued violence. He described the situation as a "crisis on top of a crisis," where disease and bereavement are compounded by hunger.

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Read the sources

• As Ebola spreads to 8th DR Congo province, families battle to feed themselves
• WFP Palais Briefing note: Ebola spreads to eighth DRC province as WFP delivers food, builds treatment centres and keeps supplies moving
• Ebola fight in DRC ‘far from over,’ warns WHO chief
• Congolese politician is killed for defending Ebola efforts as mistrust complicates response
• Congolese Politician Is Killed for Defending Ebola Efforts as Mistrust Complicates Response

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