Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri Province Drives Food Insecurity, Calls for Urgent Aid

The Ebola outbreak in Ituri province has triggered a sharp rise in food insecurity. Movement restrictions imposed to curb the virus have tightened market access, pushing prices higher and eroding household purchasing power. Local response teams and community solidarity networks are sustaining some food availability, yet many isolated and vulnerable households remain at risk. ReliefWeb reports that by the end of September, the situation is expected to deteriorate further with the onset of the lean season unless community support is rapidly strengthened and targeted emergency aid is deployed to the most isolated populations. The UN OCHA’s REACH Initiative stresses that immediate, focused assistance is essential to prevent a humanitarian crisis.