The European Union together with its Member States is the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity towards people in need around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and human-made crises. Through its European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflicts and disasters every year. Headquartered in Brussels and with a global network of field offices, the EU assists the most vulnerable people, based on humanitarian needs.<\/p>\n
The European Union has allocated \u20ac1.2 million in emergency humanitarian aid to\u00a0respond to the Marburg outbreak in Ethiopia, currently affecting the South Ethiopia Region. The funding will support a coordinated response to strengthen the ongoing operations, prevent a major disruption to local health systems and avoid widespread social and economic consequences.<\/p>\n
On 14 November 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health and the\u00a0Ethiopian Public Health Institute declared the outbreak of the Marburg virus disease in southern Ethiopia. As of 16th December 2025, 14 cases\u00a0were confirmed, including 9\u00a0deaths, and over 600 identified contacts including around 400 already discharged. Population in the Jinka Town and other districts within the region are experiencing the impact of the outbreak. Mobility across regional and cross border routes, like Kenya and South Sudan, increases the risk of a wider spread.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Marburg disease, characterised by high fever, severe headache and muscle aches, is rapidly transmitted and has a high fatality potential. An urgent and coordinated response remains essential to\u00a0control the source and the transmission of the disease outbreak and protect\u00a0both the affected population and health workers. Priorities are early detection, isolation, contact tracing and community sensibilisation as well as support to the health system.<\/p>\n
EU\u2019s \u20ac1.2 million contribution will be channelled through different partners. World Health Organization\u00a0will receive a top-up of \u20ac700,000 to bolster preparedness and response. This will support\u00a0procurement and last-mile delivery of critical supplies, surveillance and contact tracing, rapid response team deployment, and expanded isolation and treatment capacity.\u00a0International Medical Corps\u00a0will receive \u20ac300,000 to support the management of the response as well as mental health activities. An additional \u20ac200,000 has been allocated through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund to\u00a0the International Federation of Red Cross\u00a0to support the Ethiopian Red Cross Society in their activities related to community engagement and risk communication.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For further information, please contact:<\/p>\n
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