EU adds €5 million to boost Ebola diagnostics in eastern DRC

European Commission Commissioner for Equality, Preparation and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib visited Bunia in the Ituri province and announced an additional €5 million to strengthen Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The funding will be used to create and reinforce regional diagnostic centres in the most affected provinces, allowing faster and more reliable testing.

Lahbib said, “I am not coming empty‑handed, I am coming with €5 million for regional diagnostic centres in the provinces most hit, for quicker, more reliable tests.” The contribution brings total EU support for the outbreak to €20 million and includes the deployment of specialised experts, improved air links for medical supplies, and ongoing capacity‑building for epidemiological surveillance.

The EU’s aid aims to improve early case detection, reduce mortality and help contain the Ebola virus amid a complex security environment marked by population displacement and limited access to remote areas.