By Lodu William Odiya
The European Union has announced a major package of financial and humanitarian support to help Africa combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak that has claimed hundreds of lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and continues to threaten neighboring countries.
In a statement seen by No.1 Citizen daily newspaper on Thursday, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to standing with African nations in the fight against the deadly virus, emphasising that no country should face the outbreak alone.
“Europe is Africa’s long-standing partner. We have shown up before, and we are showing up again,” Lahbib said during a joint engagement with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC),” the statement partly read.
The commissioner revealed that the EU would provide an additional €6.5 million to strengthen the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, enabling the Africa CDC to equip frontline health teams, train healthcare workers, and improve disease surveillance systems.
“In response to Africa’s Continental Response Plan, the EU will also donate €5 million worth of testing equipment, including rapid diagnostic devices and PCR kits, to enhance early detection and containment efforts,” the statement added.
Recognising the importance of monitoring disease transmission, the bloc is investing a further €2 million in wastewater surveillance to help identify infections before they are detected in health facilities.
Lahbib praised the efforts of healthcare workers, laboratory technicians, humanitarian personnel, and emergency responders who continue to risk their lives while battling the outbreak.
During a visit to Bunia in eastern DRC, she met frontline workers who stressed the need for international solidarity. Their message, she said, was clear: “No country should fight Ebola alone.”
The Commissioner also commended the leadership of the Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation (WHO), noting that their coordination has been critical in managing the crisis.
While there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Ebola strain responsible for the outbreak, Lahbib said research and development efforts are underway. The EU is supporting the development of clinical trial protocols and investing in new antiviral medicines and monoclonal antibodies.
Additionally, the EU has signed a €73 million partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop next-generation vaccines against filoviruses, the virus family that includes Ebola.
Beyond health interventions, the European Union has allocated €15 million in humanitarian assistance for the DRC and neighboring countries affected by the crisis. It has also delivered 100 tonnes of emergency supplies, including medicines, protective equipment, and tents, through humanitarian air operations, with five additional flights planned for Bunia.
Lahbib called for sustained humanitarian access and respect for ceasefire arrangements in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Ituri Province, warning that insecurity could hamper efforts to contain the outbreak.
“Viruses do not stop at borders. They do not care about politics. Health security is a shared responsibility,” she said.
The EU pledged to continue working closely with the Africa CDC, WHO, and affected communities to contain the outbreak and strengthen Africa’s preparedness for future health emergencies.