Germany is increasing its Ebola assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo by €11 million as the country battles what Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan described as the worst Ebola outbreak in the nation's history. The additional funding will support equipment deliveries, mobile laboratories, and training for healthcare workers conducting disease awareness campaigns, she announced on broadcaster RBB.
The outbreak has killed more than 2,300 people and infected at least 4,900 others within three months. The World Health Organization has confirmed cases across six northeastern provinces, with Ituri hardest hit. UN humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher said a person dies from the disease on average every 30 minutes.
The European Union is contributing €2.5 million in rapid tests and diagnostic equipment, while the United Nations has pledged an additional $30.5 million to combat the virus.