Geneva/Nairobi, 22 September 2026 - As the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reaches unprecedented levels, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is expanding efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness along major travel routes including riverine corridors and across borders to help prevent further spread.

Since the outbreak was declared in May 2026, the numbers have continued to climb. More than 7,400 confirmed cases have now been recorded, making this the largest Ebola outbreak ever reported in the country, and a crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and large-scale displacement. As of 16 September, the World Health Organization had reported over 3,600 deaths. Over the same period, IOM has supported local authorities with over 33 million health screenings across the region, reaching millions of people with life-saving information and referrals to appropriate services.

"This is the largest Ebola outbreak the DRC has faced, putting families affected by conflict and crisis under even greater strain. Our teams are working alongside local health authorities to detect risks early and help people access care. Close cooperation across borders is vital to containing the disease," said Amy Pope, IOM Director General. "But we have received less than a third of the funding needed for our response. We urgently need more support to sustain this work and protect communities in the DRC and neighboring countries."

Displaced people, and host communities within the outbreak epicentre face particular barriers to accessing health services. Overcrowding, inadequate water and sanitation services, limited access to lifesaving services, and gaps in disease surveillance in displacement sites make early detection more difficult.

IOM is strengthening disease surveillance and preparedness across DRC using population mobility mapping and flow monitoring to identify high-risk mobility corridor, border communities points of entry (PoEs) and informal crossing points, enabling authorities to better target the response to a fast-moving disease.

The organization is also scaling up disease surveillance at displacement sites and along the Congo River, a key route for people travelling towards Kinshasa. At the Bende-Bende point of control, IOM is supporting health authorities with training and other critical preparedness activities alongside traveller screening, with teams conducting an average of around 1,000 health screenings a day.

IOM is working closely with governments and partners in neighbouring countries, including Uganda, South Sudan Burundi, Rwanda, Central African Republic along with other at-risk countries across the region, to strengthen preparedness and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.

To sustain and expand this work, IOM is seeking USD 110 million for its multi-country Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Response Plan. So far, USD 29.6 million has been received, leaving more than half of the appeal unfunded. Additional resources are urgently needed to sustain surveillance along key movement routes, strengthen preparedness in neighbouring countries, and ensure mobile and displaced communities are included in the response.

IOM's response is supported by the United States Government, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), European Union, the Government of Japan and the World Bank.

For more information, please visit IOM's Media Centre.