WFP Seeks $214 Million as Ebola Spreads to Eighth Province in DR Congo

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced that Ebola has spread to an eighth province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), increasing challenges for affected families trying to access food while complying with health and isolation measures. In response, the agency is providing food distributions, constructing treatment centres, and supplying logistical, telecommunication, and air transport support to aid health partners.

WFP reported that it requires $214 million over the next six months to support operations for vulnerable populations affected by conflict and the outbreak in eastern DRC. This total includes $78.6 million designated for hot meals and dry rations for individuals directly impacted by Ebola and their families.

According to the agency, nearly 3.5 million people in the Ebola-affected zones are experiencing Crisis-level hunger or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above), with 97 percent of those directly impacted by the outbreak requiring food assistance. WFP stated that the food support aims to prevent individuals from breaking isolation or halting treatment to search for food.

To date, WFP has distributed more than 744,000 hot meals across 59 treatment and isolation facilities, along with over 3,000 metric tons of food to families of patients. The organization's operational plan includes providing dry rations to more than 500,000 relatives of confirmed and suspected cases.

Logistical operations managed by WFP include:

• The establishment of two logistics bases, a Forward Logistics Base in Isiro, and nine mini bases across Ituri and Haut-Uélé.
• The operation of 1,255 flights by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), transporting 10,272 responders and 483 metric tons of cargo.
• Storage of 3,417 metric tons of humanitarian supplies for 43 partner organizations.
• Delivery of 2,653 metric tons of relief cargo, such as medical supplies and personal protective equipment, via air and road.

Infrastructure efforts include the completion of an Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in Musienene, ongoing construction of a facility in Bunia, and plans for four additional ETCs, including one in Goma. WFP noted that operations continue to face hurdles, including insecurity, poor road conditions, and adverse weather disruptions to UNHAS flights near Mahagi, Bunia, and Isiro.

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