UNICEF airlifts emergency Ebola supplies to DR Congo as cases surge

Emergency supplies dispatched

UNICEF on Thursday began airlifting more than 100 metric tons of emergency supplies to the Democratic Republic of Congo, deploying personal protective equipment and medical materials to combat the escalating Ebola outbreak. The shipment includes medicines, hygiene materials, and specialized gear for frontline health workers, according to a statement from the UN children's agency.

John Agbor, UNICEF representative in Congo, said the situation remains highly concerning and that the agency is in a race against time to contain the outbreak. "These emergency supplies are critical to help protect frontline workers and support affected communities, including children," Agbor said, noting that the items were delivered with support from the European Union.

Outbreak spreads in eastern provinces

The supplies were airlifted from UNICEF's global supply hub in Copenhagen via a specialized humanitarian air service supported by the European Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. The shipment is expected to support nearly 100,000 people, including children and families living in communities already facing a fragile humanitarian situation marked by population displacement, conflict, and limited access to basic social services.

A situation report released Wednesday by Congo's Health Ministry showed that suspected Ebola cases have surpassed 1,000 amid a surge across eastern provinces. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus arrived in Congo on Thursday to bolster containment efforts, telling reporters that the outbreak is complex due to population displacements and insecurity which make containment difficult, while noting the need for community ownership of preventive measures.