The Salvation Army working to support Ebola response efforts
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The Salvation Army is standing with communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), supporting Ebola response efforts through health education, hygiene programs and medical equipment support.
Authorities in the DRC and Uganda have confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin released on 17 May 2026.
Affected areas
The primary location affected in the DRC is the Ituri Province (Bunia, Mongbwalu and Rwampara) with confirmation of spread to North Kivu and South Kivu including Goma. At the time of writing, there are between 900 and 906 suspected cases of which 101-105 have been confirmed and over 200 suspected deaths of which 10 have been confirmed. In Uganda, there have been seven confirmed cases and one confirmed death.
Emergency response
Public health officials in the DRC have launched emergency response measures, including contact tracing, case isolation and laboratory testing, as efforts intensify to prevent wider transmission. Surveillance teams are also monitoring neighbouring areas for additional suspected cases.
The outbreak comes as the region continues to face multiple public health challenges, placing increased pressure on health-care systems already responding to complex needs. The previous outbreak of the virus in 2025 in Kasai Province claimed 45 lives. As such, international health agencies are expected to support containment operations and reinforce preparedness measures across affected communities.
Prevention and awareness
During previous Ebola outbreaks, The Salvation Army has contributed to response efforts in the DRC by providing public health education, hygiene programs and medical equipment. Its teams have distributed handwashing and hygiene kits to hundreds of schools, churches and mosques within impacted regions, while also training thousands of community leaders on Ebola prevention and awareness.
The movement has additionally supplied local clinics with protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, goggles, boots and biohazard suits, to help safeguard health-care workers treating suspected Ebola virus patients. Plans are underway to carry out similar actions for this response.
Working alongside regional health authorities, The Salvation Army says its response focuses on limiting transmission through education campaigns, improving sanitation practices and reducing stigma surrounding infected individuals and affected families.
