In outbreaks of dangerous diseases such as Ebola, rapid support for healthcare personnel is particularly important. Photo: action medeor / archive image. Info In outbreaks of dangerous diseases such as Ebola, rapid support for healthcare personnel is particularly important. Photo: action medeor / archive image. DR Congo In focus Ebola: The crisis in the DR Congo is escalating Emergency relief 20 May 2026 More and more people are becoming infected, and medical aid and protective equipment are lacking in many places. Support action medeor in providing rapid emergency relief and saving lives. The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda is becoming increasingly dramatic: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 363 confirmed cases have now been reported; 62 people are said to have died there (as of June 2, 2026); in Uganda, there are currently 16 confirmed cases, as well as one suspected case. One death has been confirmed in Uganda (as of June 4, 2026). The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international public health emergency. In many regions, the virus is spreading uncontrollably, while protective equipment, medical care, and public awareness are lacking. For the people on the ground, this means fear and great uncertainty. Families are losing multiple relatives within just a few days. Health facilities are overwhelmed, and aid workers are operating under high risk. At the same time, border closures, displacement, and the tense security situation are further exacerbating the crisis. For over 20 years, action medeor has stood by the people in the DR Congo and is implementing concrete emergency relief measures together with local partner organizations: As a first step, action medeor is providing 20,000 euros for the procurement of protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and coveralls. According to information from partners on the ground, this equipment is now urgently needed to protect medical personnel and to contain the further spread of the virus. Additional assistance is urgently required, and psychological support as well as awareness-raising about protective measures are crucial to help contain the outbreak. Every hour now counts. "People working in healthcare facilities are particularly at risk during such an outbreak because they are likely to come into contact with many infected individuals - and at the same time, their work is especially crucial right now to contain the spread of the infection." Emmanuel Limi Responsible for the action medeor-projects in Burundi and the DR Congo action medeor has procured a relief shipment consisting of protective suits, gloves, FFP2 masks, disinfectant, infrared thermometers, and electrolyte solutions, totaling 6.5 tonnes and valued at 40,000 euros, which is ready for collection from our warehouse in Tönisvorst (as of 29 May 2026). However, this is not the end of the effort. As before, it remains difficult for our partners and contacts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to obtain essential protective materials locally. The nearest action medeor medical warehouse in Tanzania also does not have these items in stock. For this reason, the “Emergency Pharmacy of the World” will continue to increase its aid budget and, in the next step, send out additional relief shipments. Medical professionals in the DR Congo are doing everything possible every day to contain the Ebola virus. Photo: AFPDE Action medeor has equipped them with protective gear such as hazmat suits, gloves, and masks. Photo: AFPDE Above that, action medeor and its partner organization educates the people in the DR Congo about the Ebola virus. Photo: AFPDE 1 2 3 With your donation, you help protect medical personnel, break chains of infection, and provide care for people in acute need. Ebola is just one example of action medeor’s emergency responses worldwide: whenever crises threaten lives, we deliver rapid and life-saving assistance. Please support us now with your donation. Together, we can protect lives and bring hope. Every donation, no matter how large, makes a difference and helps protect people!