Sweden provides SEK 120 million to WHO with focus on Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Published
Sweden is providing SEK 120 million to support the World Health Organization’s work to achieve better global health, which is of great importance to global health security and people in crisis-affected areas. The WHO’s role is of vital importance and central to how the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is handled.
“Sweden’s support to the WHO is crucial in order to bolster the vital response needed to stop the spread of infection and provide life-saving assistance. A swift response is crucial to save lives, limit the consequences and stop the spread of disease,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
“The WHO’s coordinating role is crucial in global health crises, as we are currently seeing with its ongoing initiatives in the DRC. Now Sweden is providing robust assistance to the WHO, which will enable the organisation to scale up its operations during the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC and neighbouring countries,” says Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed.
“This support makes it possible for the WHO to act swiftly and resolutely to save lives during the critical initial phase of the Ebola outbreak that is currently ongoing in the DRC and neighbouring countries. The support will also help the WHO to adopt a similar approach in the event of future outbreaks and health crises,” says Jakob Wernerman, Sida’s Acting Deputy Director-General.
Sweden’s support through Sida contributes to the WHO’s ability to act immediately when outbreaks occur, in order to limit the transmission of infection and save lives. In the DRC; a total of 38 experts, including WHO specialists and staff from the DRC’s Ministry of Health have been deployed to the outbreak’s epicentre in Bunia, in the north-eastern Ituri Province. The WHO has trained more than 150 health workers in infection prevention and control measures as well as Ebola-specific measures. A further 500 health workers are currently in training. The WHO has delivered more than 17 tonnes of humanitarian essentials to the DRC and distributed critical diagnostics, lab equipment and transport systems for patient isolation in order to reinforce operational capacity at the front line.
The decision taken by Sida means that Sweden’s core voluntary contribution (CVC) to the WHO will total SEK 120 million in 2026, in addition to the annual membership fee. Sweden’s support is critical to the WHO’s prioritised efforts in combating the spread of infectious diseases, strengthening the health and medical system and ensuring every individual is fully able to enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Sweden’s support also strengthens the WHO's normative and knowledge-generating work within prioritised areas such as increased access to vaccinations.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO is the UN’s specialised agency for health issues, with a mandate to lead and coordinate international health efforts and support member countries’ governments in the development and implementation of their health and medical care policies.
Sweden supports the WHO with annual donations that enable the WHO to conduct its global operations effectively, in line with the organisation’s work programme that is approved by all the UN member countries. Sweden also contributes support to specific WHO activities through Sida, in particular for the promotion of SRHR and support targeting initiatives in Ukraine.
Ebola outbreak caused by Bundibugyo virus in the DRC
On 17 May, the WHO declared the Ebola outbreak (caused by the Bundibugyo virus) in the DRC and spreading to Uganda to be a public health emergency of international concern. The disease has spread geographically, and the WHO considers that the extent of the outbreak has been underestimated. The situation has been exacerbated by high human mobility, weak health care systems, inadequate infrastructure, difficulties in gaining access to conflict areas, as well as the lack of a vaccine and specialised care.
There are currently no licensed therapeutics or vaccines approved to treat or prevent the Bundibugyo Ebola virus from spreading, making rapid efforts to trace infection and isolate cases crucial to limiting the transmission of disease. Through its core support to actors such as the WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Population Fund, Gavi and the Global Fund, Sweden is contributing to effective measures against the spread of disease.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 764 06 21
email to Lukas Zeiler
