Congo-Kinshasa: As Ebola Spreads to 8th DR Congo Province, Families Battle to Feed Themselves

What the report says

The United Nations says hunger is making the Ebola response harder in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the outbreak has now reached an eighth province and has also crossed borders, according to AllAfrica’s report from Geneva. The warning came on Friday from the World Food Programme, which said families affected by Ebola may face a painful trade-off between following health guidance and finding enough to eat.

David Stevenson, the WFP’s country director in DR Congo, said the spread to another province is adding pressure on already vulnerable communities. He said food support helps families seek treatment without losing access to livelihoods, while also supporting the wider logistics needed for the response. The article says the outbreak began in mid-May and that other countries in the region have also reported imported cases, underscoring the regional risk.

AllAfrica’s report highlights examples from Ituri and North Kivu, where insecurity, displacement and loss of farmland have made it difficult for some families to reach markets or fields safely. One woman described relying on aid after losing a child to Ebola, while another patient said food helped restore strength during treatment. The WFP said medical teams treat Ebola, but food assistance remains important to recovery and to keeping care accessible.

The agency said it needs $115 million over the next six months, including $79 million for hot meals and dry rations. The appeal reflects a broader challenge in eastern DR Congo, where conflict, displacement and weak food security often complicate public health emergencies.