Significant reductions in aid programs are exacerbating the rapid spread of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was confirmed in mid-May, leading to over 1,100 infections and more than 300 deaths since the World Health Organization declared a health emergency shortly after.

Ongoing conflict in Ituri Province, coupled with a million internally displaced persons living in unsanitary conditions, has weakened local health systems, making it difficult to respond effectively to the outbreak, which experts attribute to prior cuts in international health funding.