KINSHASA/TOKYO — September 1, 2026 — The Government of Japan has announced a new US$5 million emergency grant to strengthen epidemic prevention and humanitarian assistance during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The funding will support the response to the Ebola Bundibugyo virus outbreak through three international organizations operating in the country.

According to the official announcement from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Organization for Migration will receive US$2 million for epidemic-prevention activities.

The United Nations Children's Fund will receive US$1.5 million for health, water, sanitation and hygiene services, while the World Food Programme will receive US$1.5 million for food assistance.

The grant will therefore be implemented through IOM, UNICEF and WFP, rather than being transferred directly to the Congolese government.

Japan said the assistance is intended to strengthen measures against the outbreak while supporting communities facing health and humanitarian needs.

The funding could expand disease-prevention activities, WASH services and food support in affected areas as humanitarian organizations continue working to limit the spread of Ebola.

The announcement adds new international financing to the DRC's outbreak response and gives the three agencies defined budgets for their respective areas of assistance.