The United States has committed an initial $13 million in emergency foreign assistance to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, as Washington intensifies efforts to contain the virus and prevent its spread beyond the region.
U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos said the Department of State activated its emergency response plan within 48 hours of confirming the outbreak and rapidly mobilized funding to support frontline response operations.
“Within 48 hours, the Department activated a response plan and mobilized an initial $13 million in foreign assistance for immediate response efforts,” Boulos said.
He added that the United States is also “leveraging the Department’s historic investment in OCHA pooled funds for the DRC and Uganda to ensure the rapid deployment of additional humanitarian assistance on the ground and close coordination with the UN system.”
The emergency funding will support surveillance operations, laboratory capacity, risk communication campaigns, safe burial procedures, border screening, and clinical case management as health officials work to contain the outbreak.
The Department of State said it established an interagency coordination cell and incident management system in Washington within 24 hours of learning about confirmed Ebola cases on May 15, 2026.
U.S. embassies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan have also activated monitoring groups to track developments and communicate with American citizens in the region.
Officials said protecting Americans at home and abroad remains the administration’s top priority.
“Our first goal has been to ensure the safety of Americans abroad and the protection of the American homeland,” the Department said in its statement.
The State Department coordinated closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the May 18, 2026 Title 42 order prohibiting travel to the United States for foreign nationals who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.
The Department is also working with the Department of Homeland Security to implement the order worldwide and prepare for additional quarantine or isolation measures if recommended by health authorities.
Officials said the State Department is coordinating with the CDC and the U.S. military on potential repatriation plans for affected Americans based on medical assessments and exposure risks.
The administration also highlighted broader international coordination efforts involving the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other donor governments.
Department leadership has already held discussions with UN Secretariat officials and humanitarian coordinators in affected countries to synchronize response efforts.
The State Department recently announced $1.8 billion in additional funding for OCHA pooled funds worldwide, including $250 million earmarked for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Officials said those resources are being prioritized for imminent outbreak response and humanitarian operations.
“American leadership remains indispensable in confronting global health threats,” Boulos said.
“The United States will continue to protect American citizens, support affected communities, and marshal international action to contain this outbreak quickly, decisively, and effectively.”