Kinshasa, September 1st, 2026 (CPA).- The Japanese government has granted US$5 million in emergency aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen measures to prevent epidemics and support efforts to combat Ebola, according to a statement from the Embassy of Japan, consulted on Tuesday by CPA.
“This Japanese contribution comes in the context of the Ebola virus disease outbreak, identified as the Bundibugyo strain. It will help to support several aspects of the humanitarian response, notably epidemic prevention and public health interventions. The approach adopted is therefore based on a multi-sectorial intervention designed to support the efforts being made to tackle the outbreak. This aid will be implemented in partnership with three international organizations, namely the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP)”, it is read. According to the source, the allocation of the funding provides for $2 million for the IOM, in support of epidemic prevention activities.
UNICEF will receive $1.5 million for the health, water, sanitation and hygiene sectors – collectively known as WASH – whilst the WFP will, for its part, receive $1.5 million to provide food aid to the affected populations. The Japanese Government has indicated that its support will therefore cover essential needs relating to water, sanitation, hygiene and food aid. Through this funding, Tokyo intends to support the measures taken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to contain the epidemic and address the associated humanitarian needs. The Japanese aid will, in particular, strengthen prevention efforts, which are considered an essential part of the fight against the spread of the virus. In its press release, the Japanese government emphasizes that, thanks to this grant, Japan will provide “humanitarian aid in areas such as epidemic prevention and health”.
This assistance will also enable the three partner organizations to carry out their interventions in their respective fields, complementing the efforts of the Congolese authorities and other actors involved in the response. According to the document, the has announced funding represents further support from Japan for humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its implementation will draw on the operational expertise of the IOM, UNICEF and the WFP, with interventions covering both public health prevention and the basic needs of the population.