US funding cuts hamper Ebola response in DR Congo
US funding cuts to WHO, USAID, and the CDC are blamed for weakening disease surveillance and slowing the response to a deadly Ebola outbreak in northeastern DRC, where delayed detection stems from weak rural health systems and testing challenges. Aid groups warn PPE shortages and staff cuts have hampered containment, while the WHO cautions the outbreak could be larger than counted. Washington says emergency funds are being deployed and some programs have carried over, but experts warn further global health funding reductions risk hobbling the response and broader health systems in affected countries.
