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Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region
08 September 2026
Lead MP
Kirsty McNeill
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsScience & TechnologyNHS
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Kirsty McNeill raised concerns about ebola outbreak in the democratic republic of the congo and the region in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK has provided an additional £51.8 million in funding towards the response, bringing the total UK bilateral support to £26.9 million, including £21 million for the response in the DRC, support to Uganda, and up to £5 million for research and development into vaccines and therapeutics. This funding aims to accelerate the response now to contain transmission and reduce the risk of wider regional spread, supporting containment at source, backing the African-led response, reducing humanitarian and secondary health impacts, and strengthening regional preparedness.
The UK is working through diplomatic missions to help health and humanitarian workers move safely and quickly, and is ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed. Additionally, the UK is supporting regional preparedness and coordination by providing technical expertise and funding to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to help coordinate essential equipment and medical supplies across the response.
Government Response
The UK Public Health Rapid Support Team has deployed ten experts to support preparedness, readiness and response across the region, including through WHO and UNICEF. They are contributing to preparedness in South Sudan with technical expertise and regional coordination.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.