EU Airlifts 100 Tonnes of Aid to Ebola-hit Eastern DR Congo

BUNIA, DR Congo — The European Union has airlifted 100 tonnes of emergency humanitarian supplies to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where an Ebola outbreak has overwhelmed fragile health systems in the conflict-hit Ituri province.

The aid shipment, delivered through a “humanitarian air bridge” coordinated with UNICEF, included medicine, tents, and protective equipment aimed at strengthening the response to the fast-spreading outbreak in hard-to-reach areas.

The European Commission confirmed the delivery on Sunday, saying the cargo was flown directly into Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, which serves as the main operational hub for aid agencies working in the region.

EU crisis management commissioner Hadja Lahbib, who arrived in Bunia on the same day, urged authorities and armed actors to ensure unrestricted access for humanitarian and medical teams. She stressed that safe passage is essential for containing the outbreak and reaching affected communities.

The outbreak, declared an epidemic on May 15, has raised international alarm.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as an international health emergency due to its rapid spread across borders, including neighbouring Uganda.

According to the latest WHO figures, 452 cases and 82 deaths have been recorded across the region. Health officials have identified the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola as the cause, a variant for which there is currently no specific vaccine or approved treatment, increasing concerns over containment efforts.

The response is further complicated by insecurity in Ituri, where armed groups operate in remote areas, limiting access to affected populations. Poor road infrastructure has also slowed the delivery of medical supplies and the deployment of health workers.

Humanitarian agencies warn that delays in reaching remote communities could worsen transmission, especially in densely populated or displaced populations already vulnerable due to conflict.

The EU’s intervention adds to ongoing international efforts to contain the outbreak, with coordinated support expected to continue as health agencies scale up surveillance, treatment, and community outreach.

As the situation evolves, officials say rapid access, community cooperation, and sustained international funding will be critical in preventing further spread across the region.