The United Nations has raised serious concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, warning that the disease could trigger an economic crisis across the continent if it is not quickly brought under control.
According to a report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the outbreak could cost African economies as much as $3.6 billion and lead to the loss of about 328,000 jobs if the virus spreads beyond its current hotspots. The UN also warned that nearly one million additional people could be pushed into poverty under the worst-case scenario.
The current outbreak is centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where health authorities have confirmed 1,307 Ebola infections and 377 deaths since the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, 2026. A small number of cases have also been reported in neighbouring Uganda, while experts fear the disease could spread further into countries such as Rwanda, South Sudan and Angola if stronger containment measures are not implemented.
Health experts say the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no widely tested vaccine or approved treatment, making efforts to contain the disease even more challenging.
The UNDP outlined three possible scenarios for the outbreak. In the most optimistic case, where the disease remains largely contained within the DRC and Uganda, Africa could still suffer economic losses of around $1 billion. However, if infections spread across more countries and are combined with other economic shocks, including rising global fuel prices, the continent could lose up to $3.6 billion in economic output.
Beyond the direct health impact, the UN warned that the outbreak is already disrupting businesses, trade, education, transportation and healthcare services in affected communities. Border restrictions and reduced economic activities are also threatening livelihoods across the region.
UNDP Resident Representative in the DRC, Damien Mama, stressed that immediate action is needed to prevent the outbreak from developing into a wider humanitarian and economic disaster. He said that with sufficient resources and coordinated international support, the outbreak can still be contained before it causes even greater damage.
The UNDP is urging African governments, international development partners and financial institutions to invest not only in emergency health responses but also in stronger healthcare systems, social protection programmes and economic recovery measures. The agency believes that treating Ebola solely as a public health issue would overlook its broader impact on poverty, employment and long-term development across Africa.
As efforts continue to contain the outbreak, health authorities have intensified surveillance, treatment and public awareness campaigns in affected areas. The United Nations has appealed for increased international funding and cooperation to prevent the crisis from escalating into one of Africa's most costly public health emergencies in recent years.
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