Portfolio — 4 June 2026

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced AU$5 million in Australian government funding for the Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda [TA-260604-foreig-18e3ae17f1b1]. The funding flows through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization, targeting medical care, supplies, water and sanitation, outbreak surveillance, and local health system strengthening [TA-260604-foreig-18e3ae17f1b1].

The announcement coincides with a separate US$60 million release from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund for urgent humanitarian needs across the DRC, Uganda and neighbouring countries [TA-260604-foreig-18e3ae17f1b1]. Australia's AU$11 million annual contribution to the UN fund positions the country as a standing donor to that mechanism, meaning today's bilateral commitment sits alongside an existing multilateral funding stream.

Beyond immediate relief, the government is also supporting Bundibugyo virus vaccine development through Australia's contribution to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations — extending the response from acute humanitarian relief into longer-term epidemic preparedness. Wong framed the package as reflecting "Australia's commitment to global health security in an increasingly connected world." The release was issued jointly with Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly, who stated that speed of delivery was the governing consideration: "When crises unfold, speed matters.

Australia's support for the World Health Organization and the Red Cross helps ensure assistance can reach people quickly." The cross-portfolio character of the announcement — spanning Foreign Affairs and International Development — reflects the dual accountability structure typical of Australia's international aid responses, where foreign policy framing and development delivery sit in different ministerial hands but are presented as a unified package.