An Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has spread into Uganda, with over 390 suspected cases and at least 100 deaths, prompting high alert in Rwanda and South Sudan. The World Health Organisation has declared the Bundibugyo strain a public health emergency of international concern, noting no approved vaccine or targeted treatment exists, and the true infection scale is likely higher.
Stewart Warns of Aid Cuts Impact
Rory Stewart, a former UK Africa minister, has warned that the outbreak highlights the dangerous threat posed by significant UK and US aid cuts to global pandemic preparedness. US foreign assistance spending fell by nearly 57 per cent after the administration dismantled USAID, which had financed crucial laboratory networks and disease surveillance, leading to late detection and weakened health systems.
UK Aid Budget Cut
The UK is also cutting billions from its aid budget to fund increased defence spending, further undermining infrastructure needed to detect and respond to outbreaks. Experts describe this as a canary in the coal mine for future global health crises.
