Health workers across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda are grappling with increasing pressure as Ebola cases continue to rise amid the closure of programmes funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Frontline doctors, nurses and community health workers say the suspension of USAID-supported activities has disrupted critical Ebola response efforts, including disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory services and community engagement, undermining efforts to contain the outbreaks.
The funding shortfall has also worsened shortages of medical personnel, protective equipment and essential supplies, while many health workers report delays in salary payments and limited resources to safely treat infected patients.
Public health officials warn that the situation could accelerate the spread of the virus if emergency funding is not restored.
Health experts say the withdrawal of support comes at a particularly challenging time, as both DR Congo and Uganda continue to battle recurring Ebola outbreaks alongside other public health emergencies, armed conflict and humanitarian challenges that have placed additional strain on already fragile health systems.
Officials stress that sustained investment in disease surveillance, rapid response and frontline health services remains critical to interrupting transmission and preventing further infections.
They warn that weakening outbreak response capacity risks reversing years of progress in strengthening Ebola preparedness across the region.
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