The COVID-19 pandemic changed how many of us understand the threat of disease outbreaks. But as a humanitarian, I also remember the fear and urgency of the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak: the enhanced airport screenings, the three-week monitoring of returning aid workers, and the U.S. government standing up a whole-of-government response. After the West Africa Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, one might expect the world to be better prepared for the current Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Instead, this crisis is unfolding within a vulnerable ecosystem of health care, humanitarian response, disease surveillance, community trust and global financing. 

Communities in eastern DRC are facing Ebola Bundibugyo virus amid insecurity, population movement and an already fragile humanitarian context. Uganda has also confirmed cases linked to the outbreak. Health authorities, local organizations and international responders are working to contain the spread, trace contacts, care for patients and communicate clearly with affected communities. 

Global Aid Shifts

The global aid environment has changed significantly in recent years. Recent cuts and policy shifts have not simply reduced funding. They have weakened the resources, personnel and infrastructure that many countries and organizations have relied on for outbreak detection, preparedness and response. During the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, more of the global health infrastructure needed to respond was in place. That included substantial U.S. government leadership and support, technical expertise from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coordination by the World Health Organization (WHO), and local health workers and humanitarian organizations working together to detect cases, contain transmission and respond to community needs. 

That infrastructure was not perfect, but it contained past outbreaks in a way that the current Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the DRC is not being contained. Past infrastructure helped detect outbreaks earlier, move information more quickly, provide communities with trusted guidance, and support health workers in responding more safely and effectively. When infrastructure is weakened, outbreaks become harder to prevent, identify and ultimately stop. 

Philanthropy’s Role in the Ebola Outbreak in Uganda and the DRC

Philanthropic funding cannot replace official government aid. Nor should it be expected to carry responsibilities that belong to governments and multilateral institutions.  

But philanthropy still has a vital role to play. It can move quickly and provide flexible funding to organizations already working in affected communities. 

Read the full article about the Ebola outbreak by Patricia McIlreavy at Center for Disaster Philanthropy.