Key facts
- At least 30 people have died in Kigonze camp since May.
- Some deaths have been confirmed as Ebola, indicating a rapid spread.
- Limited sanitation and resistance to testing hinder containment efforts.
- Funding for water, hygiene, and sanitation projects has been cut, impacting aid organizations.
- The U.S. has reduced funding for WASH services in Congo.
At least 30 people have died since the start of May in Kigonze camp, a settlement for displaced civilians in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with some confirmed cases of Ebola, raising concerns about the disease spreading rapidly. Camp officials and aid organizations reported the high death rate, which they described as unprecedented.
Symptoms including headaches, fever, and vomiting were common among the deceased. However, confirmation of all causes of death has been challenging due to resistance to testing from patients or their relatives. Health teams have taken samples from some victims, with preliminary results indicating positive for Ebola.
The outbreak in the country was declared on May 15, but deaths in the camp began earlier in the month. The high mortality rate highlights the vulnerability of the over 5 million displaced people in eastern Congo, where resistance to testing and severely limited sanitation measures are compounding the challenge.
Aid workers noted that communities are more exposed to diseases like Ebola due to reduced funding for water, hygiene, and sanitation projects. Data from the UN shows a significant decrease in funding for these essential services. Several aid groups stated that their U.S.-funded WASH projects have been scaled back or dropped since last year's funding cuts.
The U.S. has historically been the top supporter of WASH services in Congo, but the Trump administration has defended funding cuts, prioritizing other humanitarian assistance. While Washington has committed substantial direct Ebola funding, the impact of reduced WASH support on specific camps like Kigonze remains a concern.