Gates Foundation commits over Ksh.1.9B to support Ebola response in DRC and Uganda

In a statement, the Foundation said that the funding is designed to place the majority of resources as close to affected countries and communities.

Of the funding, Ksh.647 million ($5 million) will be distributed to Africa CDC for regional coordination, rapid deployment, and cross-border surveillance.

A similar amount will be donated to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) for frontline operational support to countries another amount to WHO Headquarters to support rapid procurement, diagnostics, and surge logistics for critical response commodities.

DRC declared an Ebola outbreak on May 15 caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatments.

In a previous update released on Saturday, the DR Congo health ministry said 204 deaths had been recorded in three provinces of the country, from 900 suspected cases.

Uganda has confirmed three new cases, bringing the total number of infections to five, as WHO warned of a rapid spread of the deadly virus.

The Foundation has called for rapid detection, strong public health measures, protection of frontline workers, and coordinated action to stop more transmission.

"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, the communities facing uncertainty, and the frontline health workers, laboratory teams, responders, and community volunteers working under extremely difficult conditions to protect lives," read the statement in part.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has announced up to £20 million (about Ksh.3.4 billion) in new funding to help contain the outbreak

The funding will support WHO, the UN, international agencies and NGO partners responding to the outbreak.