The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has intensified its support for the international humanitarian response to the outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) in East Africa. This initiative materializes with a total contribution of 1.2 million euros to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The Spanish contribution consists of 700,000 euros allocated to the regular budget of the IFRC and another 500,000 euros specifically directed to the regional emergency appeal that the organization has launched to address this crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and other neighboring at-risk countries. On May 15, 2026, health authorities in Kinshasa confirmed an outbreak of the virus in Ituri province, which has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The emergency appeal activated by the IFRC aims to assist three million people in high-risk transmission areas. The intervention supported by Spain focuses on a comprehensive approach that encompasses community surveillance to infection prevention and control measures. The response will be particularly developed through the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Red Cross of Uganda, which have extensive experience in managing epidemic outbreaks. With this contribution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international humanitarian action and coordinated response to health emergencies.