A growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa is exposing the consequences of major international aid reductions, particularly from the United States. Health officials say cuts to USAID and other donor-funded programs weakened disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and frontline healthcare systems in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain without an approved vaccine, has already caused hundreds of suspected infections and numerous deaths. The World Health Organization declared the crisis a global health emergency, warning that conflict, poor infrastructure and reduced funding are hampering containment efforts. Experts argue urgent international cooperation and restored financing are essential to prevent wider regional spread.
DW