WP: Congo Ebola outbreak spirals amid Western aid cuts

Medical personnel in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) say they are struggling to contain a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak, warning that sweeping Western aid cuts have left the country without the capacity it previously relied on during past epidemics, The Washingto Post reports.

Health workers note that while they have confronted 17 Ebola outbreaks over the past 50 years, this time the response is severely constrained.

Aid agencies say reductions in funding from the United States and other Western donors to Congo and the World Health Organization (WHO), implemented last year, have left frontline systems under-resourced just as the outbreak accelerates.

“Before, there were resources available, there were international organizations reaching out,” said Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam’s country director in Congo. “Now, we are just not seeing the resources coming in as we would want. And we are watching cases rise. We are very, very worried.”

The WHO has identified nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 deaths, with infections rising sharply within days. Experts warn the Bundibugyo strain currently circulating has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Officials say delays in detection allowed the virus to spread for weeks before being identified. “It’s been circulating for months or more, and it’s going to take just as long to respond,” said Atul Gawande, former USAID official.

Aid groups also point to insecurity in eastern Congo, where M-23 rebels control key areas, further obstructing access for health teams.

“Everyone is struggling,” Mangundu said, describing coordination meetings where requests for funding are often unanswered.

The US State Department rejected claims that aid cuts hindered the response, saying its efforts were now “more aligned and effective” and announcing $23 million in assistance and funding for 50 treatment centers.

But humanitarian groups say the impact is already visible. CARE’s Amadou Bocoum said nearly one-third of his organization’s budget was lost, forcing layoffs and leaving only 89 staff to manage response efforts. “The only thing to break the chain… is to have those prevention measures,” he said.

Robyn Savage of CARE warned the health system is “much more fragile,” while the International Rescue Committee said funding cuts forced the closure of nearly 60 percent of health facilities in affected areas.

With insecurity, funding shortages and weak infrastructure converging, aid workers warn of a “perfect storm” that could make this outbreak one of the worst in over a decade.

By Vafa Guliyeva