G7 and Partners Call for Coordinated Response to Ebola Outbreak in DRC and Uganda

G7 leaders and partner nations on Tuesday called for a coordinated international response to contain Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The group, supported by Egypt, India, Kenya, and South Korea, urged other countries to allocate resources to restrict the virus to the narrowest possible range.

Leaders stated they are monitoring the situation to prevent cross-border transmission. The outbreak is located in an isolated conflict zone in eastern DRC. G7 leaders noted that current vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments have limited effectiveness against the specific viral strain involved.

The United States allocated more than $370 million in health and humanitarian resources to the region. It committed an additional $500 million for Ebola efforts and $650 million in humanitarian aid for the Great Lakes region. The European Union provided €493 million for emergency aid, vaccines, and health security, including €84 million in immediate funding.

A continental preparedness plan is currently mobilizing $518 million to support African nations in detection and response. G7 leaders also expressed support for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its plan to assist 87 million people through 2026. G7 members have provided more than two-thirds of the funding collected for this effort so far this year.

The group pledged to coordinate travel, quarantine, and isolation procedures for individuals arriving from affected areas. This coordination includes health and safety standards for the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Leaders called on parties in the DRC to implement the Washington Peace and Prosperity agreements and the Doha framework. The United States announced it will convene a meeting of G20 foreign ministers to discuss collective action and financial support for the global response.