UN Warns Ebola Outbreak Could Cost Africa Up To $3.6 Billion

The United Nations has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa could inflict economic losses of up to $3.6 billion across the continent and cost hundreds of thousands of jobs if the virus continues to spread.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has infected 1,307 people and claimed 377 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo since it was declared on May 15, according to government figures. Health experts remain concerned because there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain.

While most infections have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda has also reported a small number of cases, raising concerns that the virus could spread further into neighbouring countries, including South Sudan.

Damien Mama, the United Nations Development Programme’s resident representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said swift action and sufficient funding are critical to preventing the health emergency from developing into a wider humanitarian and economic crisis.

The UNDP outlined three possible scenarios for the outbreak. In the most optimistic case, where the virus remains contained within the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the economic impact would reduce Congo’s gross domestic product by around $1 billion.

However, the agency warned that if the outbreak spreads to additional countries such as Rwanda and Angola while coinciding with higher fuel prices linked to the Iran crisis, the continent could face losses of up to $3.6 billion in economic output and approximately 328,000 job losses.

The report highlights the urgent need for increased international support to strengthen disease surveillance, contain the outbreak and limit its potential impact on Africa’s public health systems and economic recovery.