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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
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Other Contributors: 3
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. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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 £51.8m in funding towards the response, building on the £26.9 million already announced. This funding is designed to accelerate the response now to contain transmission and reduce the risk of wider regional spread. It will help affected countries and partners strengthen surveillance and contact tracing, expand treatment and case-management capacity, improve infection prevention and control, support frontline health workers, and engage communities to stop transmission.
The outbreak remains centred in Ituri, in the northeast of the country, but there is transmission in six neighbouring provinces. The UK is working through its diplomatic missions in Kinshasa and across the region to help health and humanitarian workers move safely and quickly, and is helping ensure resources are directed where they are most needed. The UK is also working with partners to reduce risks and impacts on vulnerable communities, support vulnerable communities, and help ensure the response is safe, trusted and community-centred.
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. The UK is supporting urgent research and development, including new vaccines, treatments and tests, through UK support to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
The UK is clear that safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) is a non-negotiable priority. The UK has worked with partners to strengthen international political coordination for the Ebola response and continues to engage closely with international and African partners on next steps to sustain coordination and support for the response.
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