The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could cost the continent up to $3.6 billion and lead to hundreds of thousands of job losses, creating what it described as a potential 'development crisis.'
Outbreak Details and Spread
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has already infected 1,307 people and killed 377 in the Democratic Republic of Congo since it was declared on May 15, 2026, according to government figures. A smaller number of cases have also been reported in Uganda, raising fears that the virus could spread further to neighbouring countries such as South Sudan. Unlike other strains of Ebola, there is currently no tested vaccine or treatment for Bundibugyo, making containment efforts more challenging and increasing the risk of wider transmission across borders.
UNDP Calls for Urgent Action
Damien Mama, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in Congo, stressed the importance of immediate action: 'If we have the resources and we step up, we can contain this outbreak and prevent further losses. If we do not, this health emergency risks becoming a much deeper and prolonged development crisis across the region and potentially the continent.'
Economic Scenarios Outlined
The UNDP report outlined three possible scenarios for the outbreak. In the best-case scenario, if the epidemic remains contained in Congo and Uganda, the cost would be around $1 billion in lost GDP for Congo. In the worst-case scenario, if the disease spreads to countries such as Rwanda and Angola, and coincides with rising fuel costs linked to the Iran crisis, the continent could lose $3.6 billion in GDP and suffer 328,000 job losses. The UN warns that without urgent intervention, the outbreak could evolve into a long-term economic and social crisis across Africa.
Vulnerable Health Systems
Experts caution that the fragile health systems in neighbouring countries make them particularly vulnerable. The spread of Ebola into South Sudan, Rwanda, or Angola could overwhelm local resources and deepen the economic impact. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) earlier reported 65 deaths linked to the virus in DR Congo's eastern Ituri province, with about 246 suspected cases recorded. Fatalities were concentrated in gold-mining communities including Mongwalu and Rwampara. The agency said it is coordinating urgent consultations with DR Congo and neighbouring countries, including Uganda and South Sudan, as part of efforts to strengthen containment and surveillance across borders.
