ICRC Restarts Food and Seed Distribution to 80,000 in Eastern DRC Amid Ebola

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has resumed food and seed distributions in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu after a pause caused by an Ebola outbreak. Between mid‑July and the end of July, more than 80,000 people—including 13,300 displaced, returnee and host families—received assistance. In Ituri, 4,350 families were supported, while 3,724 families in North Kivu and 5,265 in South Kivu received aid. The ICRC adapted its operations to meet strict Ebola prevention measures: daily crowds were halved, hand‑washing and temperature checks were mandatory, and public health messages were delivered in partnership with local health authorities. Recipients received a mix of agricultural inputs—seed for maize, beans, peanuts, cassava cuttings, and vegetables such as amaranth, cabbage and aubergine—as well as farming tools, food, blankets and kitchen utensils. The assistance aims to help families meet immediate needs, restart farming and rebuild livelihoods. The distribution occurs against a backdrop of ongoing conflict and food insecurity, with over 8.6 million people in the provinces facing acute food insecurity between January and June 2026. The ICRC stresses that continued aid is essential to prevent hunger and protect livelihoods while maintaining Ebola control measures.