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France Boosts Ebola Funding in Congo Amid Resurgence Fears, Minister Warns
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CNBC TV18•03-10-2026, 21:00
France Boosts Ebola Funding in Congo Amid Resurgence Fears, Minister Warns
- •Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced increased French support for Ebola eradication efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the risk of rapid resurgence if vigilance drops.
- •Barrot made a rare visit to Bunia, where a laboratory-confirmed mpox case was identified in mid-September, highlighting the region's vulnerability.
- •France previously allocated –13.4 million ($15.1 million) to combat Ebola between January and July, with Barrot proposing additional humanitarian funding during upcoming budget discussions.
- •The French response includes humanitarian aid, medical research, and the PRISM programme, launched during President Emmanuel Macron’s 2023 visit.
- •Barrot praised Congolese authorities, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and medical workers for containing the epidemic and preventing its spread to major urban centers.
Key Questions Answered
France allocated €13.4 million, which equals $15.1 million, to support the fight against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo between January and July.
A national humanitarian conference is scheduled to be held in Paris on October 6, where the Ebola epidemic will be discussed.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited the northeastern Congolese city of Bunia, which is a region hit by the virus and where a laboratory-confirmed case of mpox was identified in mid-September.
