EU and UNICEF mobilize over 100 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to support Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

BRUSSELS, 25 May 2026 – The European Union and UNICEF are mobilizing more than 100 metric tonnes of essential supplies to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where children, families and frontline health workers are facing a fast-moving outbreak in Ituri Province. UNICEF is organizing the airlift from Liège Airport in Belgium through the European Union Humanitarian Air Bridge to support response efforts for around 100,000 people.

The supplies, mobilized from the European Union stockpile hosted at the UNICEF global supply and logistics hub in Copenhagen, Denmark, include essential medicines, infection prevention and control items, personal protective equipment (PPE), cholera and malaria treatment supplies, as well as high-performance tents and related equipment. The shipment aims to strengthen frontline response capacity and support national health institutions and operational partners responding to the outbreak.

The mobilization comes as UNICEF scales up its response to protect children and families affected by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. UNICEF is working with national authorities, WHO, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and partners to strengthen infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection support. 

“This outbreak once again underlines the importance of preparedness, international cooperation and rapid response,” said Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.

“The EU is working hand in hand with UNICEF and all our trusted partners to support response efforts on the ground, strengthen surveillance and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. Our collective action is essential to contain the outbreak and save lives.”

The Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, a less common form of the virus for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments. The outbreak is unfolding in a challenging operational environment marked by insecurity, access constraints and high population mobility, increasing the urgency of rapid, coordinated support.

“In outbreaks like this one, it is critical that supplies move quickly from multiple points to help frontline responders to protect communities and contain outbreaks,” said Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF Supply Division. “In addition to locally available commodities, UNICEF is deploying these 100 metric tonnes of supplies from the European Union stockpile at the UNICEF global supply and logistics hub to reinforce the response on the ground with additional essential medicines, protective equipment and critical emergency items.”

The supplies are part of wider European Union and UNICEF efforts to support the Government-led response and strengthen regional preparedness. The European Commission is working closely with international partners, including WHO, Africa CDC and national authorities, while European Union-supported actions are helping reinforce testing and sequencing, medical countermeasures, wastewater surveillance and emergency medical capacities.

“Tonight’s flight is a powerful reminder of what preparedness and partnership make possible,” said Bertrand Bainvel, Director UNICEF’s European Public Partnerships Office. “With support from the European Union, life-saving supplies are moving quickly to frontline teams and affected communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The European Union is once again at the forefront of global solidarity, standing with UNICEF to protect child rights, defend global health and ensure communities facing crisis are not left behind.”

UNICEF is also deploying technical teams and supplies to support infection prevention and control, community engagement and essential services for children and families. Children are especially vulnerable during Ebola outbreaks, not only to the disease itself, but also to the wider disruption of health, nutrition, education and protection systems.

UNICEF and the European Union reaffirm their commitment to work together with national authorities and partners to contain the outbreak, support frontline responders and protect children and families affected by the crisis.

Notes to editors

The supplies were mobilized from the European stockpile hosted at UNICEF’s Global Supply and Logistics Hub in Copenhagen and loaded for onward transport from Liège Airport, Belgium.

The initial flight is scheduled to depart from Liège, Belgium, on 25 May and arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, on 26 May. Onward delivery to Bunia is being organized by air, following the closure of the Democratic Republic of the Congo-Uganda border.

The shipment includes essential medicines, infection prevention and control items, personal protective equipment, cholera and malaria treatment supplies, high-performance tents and related equipment.

The shipment is expected to support around 100,000 people affected by the outbreak.

Multimedia assets: 

Copenhagen: https://weshare.unicef.org/Folder/2AM4087DNKVP

Liège: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yRge9jiQMjLR9C_6VSCYFgk8gic9DJM0 

Media contacts

UNICEF PPR 
Marco Carraro 
Donors Relations Officer 
[email protected] 
 

European Union / European Commission 
Federica Cuccia
Communication Officer
[email protected]