Please refer to the attached file. HIGHLIGHTS Children continued to bear a disproportionate share of the outbreak. As of 30 September, children accounted for approximately 27 per cent of confirmed cases but nearly 38 per cent of deaths, with children under five representing almost two-thirds of child deaths. In response to the outbreak’s geographic expansion, UNICEF scaled up its multisectoral operations from 60 to 63 health zones, maintaining a presence in all 16 hotspots. Community-based surveillance was strengthened through the deployment of 3, 469 additional community mobilizers. Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities expanded to 55 affected health zones, mobilizing 11, 513 frontline and community actors, extending collaboration from 108 to 114 radio stations, and launching intensified digital engagement and rumour management. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions transitioned from initial deployment to implementation at scale. UNICEF delivered more than 590, 000 litres of safe water, expanded support to health facilities and schools, strengthened decontamination capacity, and deployed assistance to newly affected areas. With the start of the school year, 167, 343 children and adolescents accessed safe and adapted learning opportunities, while 158, 188 unique children received school or IPC/WASH kits. UNICEF requires US$ 113. 5 million for its revised six-month response plan. As of 30 September, US$ 41 million had been mobilized, leaving a US$ 72. 5 million funding gap. Timely, flexible funding is urgently required to sustain outbreak control, protect children and maintain essential health including mental health and psychosocial support, nutrition, education, IPC/WASH and protection services in communities already affected by conflict, displacement and cholera. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION UPDATE Between 1 and 30 September 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported 2, 050 additional confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) cases and 979 deaths. As of 30 September, cumulative confirmed cases had reached 8, 300, including 4, 018 deaths, corresponding to a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 48. 4 per cent. The outbreak continued to expand geographically, with confirmed cases reported for the first time in Sud-Ubangi Province, bringing the number of affected provinces to seven (Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, Bas-Uélé and South-Ubangi). During September, an additional three health zones reported confirmed cases, increasing the total to 63 affected health zones, representing 37. 7 per cent of the country’s 167 health zones. 16 health zones across North Kivu, Ituri and Haut-Uélé provinces were identified as Ebola hotspots, highlighting the scale of transmission and the need for increased prevention, surveillance and response measures. UNICEF maintained an operational presence across all 16 hotspot health zones, delivering services in support of the Ebola response. The outbreak is now the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the DRC and the second largest globally. Ituri province remains the epicentre, accounting for 75. 8 per cent of all confirmed cases 6, 293 cases and 2, 902 deaths, followed by North Kivu 1, 601 cases and 950 deaths and Haut-Uélé 346 cases and 144 deaths. Transmission also continued in Tshopo, Bas-Uélé, South Kivu and South-Ubangi. Women and girls represent approximately 53. 4 per cent of reported confirmed cases. Children aged 17 years and below account for approximately 27. 4 per cent of confirmed cases and 37. 6 per cent of reported deaths, indicating a disproportionate mortality burden among children. Children under five bear the greatest burden, representing approximately 63. 8 per cent of deaths among children aged 17 years and below. During September, 16 health workers were identified among confirmed cases reported during the month, underscoring ongoing risks to frontline responders.
UNICEF Democratic Republic of the Congo Humanitarian Situation Report No. 4 – Ebola Outbreak (Bundibugyo Virus), 30 September
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