G7 urges coordinated global response to Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda

In a joint statement issued on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, the leaders said containing the outbreak was a top priority and pledged to work with partner countries to prevent further spread of the virus within the affected region and beyond.

The statement was also backed by Egypt, India, Kenya and South Korea.

The outbreak is centred in a conflict-affected area of eastern Congo, complicating containment efforts, medical treatment and the delivery of humanitarian assistance, the leaders said.

Moreover they noted that existing vaccines, diagnostic tools and treatments are not fully effective against the rare Ebola strain involved in the outbreak.

"Containing and ending the outbreak will depend on effective contact tracing, infection prevention and control, quarantine and isolation practices, laboratory testing, cross-border preparedness, border surveillance and community engagement," the leaders said.

The G7 pledged support for the development and deployment of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments tailored to the outbreak, while calling on other countries and private-sector partners to contribute resources and expertise.

The leaders highlighted ongoing international funding commitments, including more than $370 million already deployed by the United States for health and humanitarian assistance in the region, alongside a pledge of up to an additional $500 million specifically for Ebola response efforts.

They also cited nearly €493 million in European Union support for emergency aid, vaccines, treatment and health security measures in the Great Lakes region and Uganda.

The statement comes amid concerns that increased international travel amid the FIFA World Cup 2026 could heighten the risk of cross-border transmission.

Leaders said they would strengthen coordination on travel-related public health measures, including quarantine and isolation protocols, while adhering to international health standards.