The international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has described the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo as "deeply alarming," prompting calls for the UK government to step up its response. The warning comes as the outbreak, now in its second year, shows no signs of abating, with new cases emerging in remote and conflict-affected regions.
MSF's emergency coordinator in the country, Dr. Karline Kleijer, said the situation is deteriorating rapidly. "We are seeing a worrying increase in cases, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach due to insecurity and poor infrastructure. Without urgent intervention, this outbreak could spiral further out of control."
The latest figures from the World Health Organisation show over 2,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,400 deaths since August 2018. The outbreak has become the second deadliest in history, surpassed only by the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
For workers on the front line, the risk is immense. Health workers in North Kivu and Ituri provinces face daily threats from armed groups, making containment efforts perilous. Many have lost their lives, including a nurse killed in an attack on an Ebola treatment centre in February.
Back in Britain, campaigners are demanding that the government fulfil its pledge of "Global Britain" by ramping up financial and logistical support. Labour's shadow international development secretary, Preet Kaur Gill, said: "The government's response has been woefully inadequate. We must not repeat the mistakes of the West Africa outbreak, where delay cost thousands of lives. The Prime Minister must act now."
The UK has already contributed £50 million to the fight, but aid agencies argue this is insufficient. They point to cuts in the overseas aid budget and a lack of focus on global health security as key concerns.
For families in affected communities, the impact is devastating. Mothers are losing children, breadwinners are dying, and local economies are crippled. One survivor, 35-year-old Joseph M., who lost his wife to the virus, told reporters: "Ebola is a thief. It steals our future. We need help, not just medicine, but protection and food. Without that, we will starve."
The UK's International Development Secretary, Alok Sharma, has defended the government's record, stating: "The UK is a world leader in tackling Ebola. Our support has helped to train health workers, provide equipment, and fund research. We continue to monitor the situation closely."
But MSF warns that the window for action is closing. Without a massive mobilisation of resources and a renewed focus on community engagement, the outbreak could spread beyond Congo's borders. Neighbouring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan are on high alert.
The call to action is clear. Global Britain must live up to its name, not just in rhetoric but in tangible support for those on the front line of this devastating disease. The cost of inaction will be measured in lives lost and futures stolen.
