The Ebola outbreak is escalating rapidly at a time when the global humanitarian aid environment is under significant strain. Following major funding cuts and policy shifts in 2025 that weakened health, surveillance and outbreak preparedness measures in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Uganda, local organizations are now carrying much of the responsibility for frontline response and broader containment. This crisis briefing for funders provided a snapshot of the outbreak’s anticipated trajectory and the actions that philanthropic actors can take now to help. Speakers highlighted the local organizations and networks that are responding, which interventions are most urgently needed, and how philanthropy can deploy funding rapidly and strategically, including to social mobilization and behavior change efforts that are consistently underfunded.
CDP Program Officer for International Funds, Tracy O’Heir, moderated the discussion with representatives of organizations working within affected communities. Panelists were:
- Dr. Josué Mungwete, Medical Director of Panzi Hospital, Panzi Foundation
- Sandrine Lusamba, National Coordinator, SOFEPADI
- Dr. Elisabeth Furaha, Medical Director of the Karibuni Wa Mama Gyneco-Obstetric Clinic, SOFEPADI
Promotional support for this webinar has been provided by: Alliance Magazine, Giving Compass, United Philanthropy Forum, Philanthropy New York, and Philanthropy Southeast.