The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen above 8,000 for the first time in the Central African country's ongoing outbreak, government data showed on Monday.
The latest situation report from the public health institute put the number of cases at 8,067 and deaths at 3,901.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, became the largest and deadliest in DRC's history after surpassing the 2018-2020 epidemic.
It is second only to the 2014-2016 West African outbreak, which infected over 28,600 people and killed more than 11,000 across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Near $3 billion mobilised for Ebola response
Last week, the World Health Organization said the outbreak remains uncontrolled despite improvement in some areas, as cases surge in North Kivu province.
Children under 5 remain especially vulnerable, the agency says, with a case fatality rate above 60% versus about 40% for adults.
Africa's public health agency, Africa CDC, said Thursday $2.9 billion has been mobilised for the Ebola response, as cases climb in DRC.
Director General Jean Kaseya announced the funding after a US-convened G20+ meeting of foreign ministers in New York on Wednesday.
Held on the margins of the UN General Assembly, the talks brought together DRC, Uganda, G20 members, partner countries and international organisations.
US contributions total $886 million, while the EU mobilised €500 million ($568 million) in emergency aid, vaccines and treatment, Africa CDC said.
"Pledges alone will not stop Ebola," Kaseya said, urging that every dollar be traced from commitment to services reaching affected communities.
Africa CDC pledged to strengthen financial tracking with DRC and partners so funds reach the frontline faster and gaps become visible.
Prime Minister Judith Suminwa called the outbreak a "major test" and said fighting it is "an absolute priority" for DRC.
