UK to provide up to £20m for fight against Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

20 May 2026, 22:01 | Updated: 21 May 2026, 00:56

The UK will provide up to £20m to help contain an Ebola outbreak suspected of killing more than 130 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The Foreign Office money will be used to help support frontline health workers, improve infection control and monitor the epidemic.

It comes after Congolese authorities said 139 suspected deaths and almost 600 suspected cases have been recorded.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "It is vital we act now to save lives - outbreaks like Ebola do not stop at borders, and neither can we."

Ms Cooper is expected to chair a meeting alongside new Health Secretary James Murray on Thursday. They will co-ordinate the UK's response, including work to protect British nationals overseas.

The foreign secretary continued: "This outbreak is a stark reminder that global health threats require a global response.

"The UK is working hand-in-hand with partners - boosting much-needed funding but also sharing our technical expertise to contain the outbreak, protect our security and support those most at risk."