The United States is stepping up its fight against the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa, announcing a new $50 million push on Friday to develop treatments for the rare Bundibugyo strain.
The Department of State, working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Congress, plans to give the money to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The group will use the funds for lab studies, clinical trials, and the manufacturing of medical countermeasures to help stop the virus currently spreading through the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This new money brings the State Department’s total direct Ebola response funding to more than $270 million, keeping the U.S. as the largest financial contributor to the global effort.
In addition to the direct medical response, the U.S. is sending $350 million in humanitarian aid to the DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda. On the ground, this money is already being put to work through various implementing organizations to handle contact tracing, border screening, and community education. Partner groups like the International Medical Corps and Medair are currently supporting 100 health clinics in affected areas, including six specialized Ebola treatment facilities.
The International Medical Corps recently screened over 6,300 people across 24 facilities in the DRC’s Ituri Province, identifying 41 suspected cases by early June. To handle a growing number of patients and a lack of beds, crews are rushing to build extra treatment centers in the towns of Bunia and Nyankunde.
Containing the virus also requires changing how communities handle the deceased. Groups like FHI 360 and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are operating specialized teams to carry out safe and dignified burials. The Red Cross alone handled 200 of these burials by June 11. They are currently working closely with local religious and community leaders to help the public accept these necessary safety practices so the burial teams can expand.
Meanwhile, the administration says protecting Americans remains its top priority. The State Department recently released guidelines outlining a voluntary process to help U.S. citizens who might have been exposed to the virus, or who simply want to leave the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda.
Officials are strongly encouraging any Americans currently in the region to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get the latest health and security updates.
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