DR Congo: ActionAid DRC Rapid Needs Assessment Report - Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Outbreak Response (May 2026)
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: ActionAid Please refer to the attached file. After the declaration of Ebola outbreak, ActionAid DRC conducted a rapid needs assessment from 16th to 17th , May 2026 across three operational health zones in Ituri Province, Nyankunde, Nizi and Bunia, in response to the confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola virus (non-Zaire) outbreak declared as the 17th Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The assessment coincided with Situation Report No. 004 of the DPS Ituri, which as of 16th , May 2026 recorded 417 total alerts, 393 investigated, 8 laboratory-confirmed cases, 105 probable cases, and 72 persons currently in isolation across nine health zones. The assessment engaged key community stakeholders including COPA (Comitรฉ des Parents in Schools), women's groups, men's groups, child clubs and community health volunteers across all three target locations. Both Nyankunde and Bunia Health Zones have already recorded EVD cases, making the assessment timely and critical for informing ActionAid's humanitarian response programming. Key findings reveal significant gaps in community awareness, health system readiness, school safety preparedness, and protection of women and girls during the outbreak. Particular concern was raised about the psychosocial impact of the epidemic on conflict-displaced populations, denial and stigma fueled by cultural narratives, and the near-total absence of PPE in schools and community spaces.