Is The U.S. Stepping Up In The Fight Against Ebola? Authors: Josh Michaud and Jennifer Kates Published: May 21, 2026

https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/is-the-u-s-stepping-up-in-the-fight-against-ebola/?utm_campaign=KFF-Global-Health-Policy&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pxm1w5rHDDrWdBuWSBnkK9K-LyhGb_0lLCeUgl3DcnzSZKX61ZVZE6GcWZ6kQilkOW_r_ebQHjolpxuGhV0OTrKpbKA&_hsmi=420020072&utm_content=420020072&utm_source=hs_email Recent Ebola Outbreaks Test the Trump Administration's Restructured Foreign Aid Approach A major Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization on May 17, is testing the United States' ability to respond to global health crises under the Trump administration’s America First Global Health Strategy, according to a new KFF brief. With nearly 600 suspected cases and over 139 deaths as of May 20, the outbreak presents unique challenges for the U.S. global health response, including a different Ebola virus species (for which vaccines and treatments are unavailable), ongoing regional insecurity, a reduced U.S. global health footprint, and a changed environment for international cooperation. The outbreak is also raising questions about whether existing resources and new organizational structures can effectively engage with a multinational/international response to address a major viral outbreak in a region already facing multiple humanitarian crises. Contact: Mikhaila Richards | (202) 654-1328 | MRichards@kff.org