Outbreak response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are receiving an additional $267 million from the United States. The funding will support efforts to combat the ongoing Ebola epidemic.

The US State Department announced the funding on Wednesday during the United Nations General Assembly. The department said the United States has provided $887 million in direct health and humanitarian assistance to fight the outbreak.

The latest funding announcement also calls on other countries with the ability to provide assistance to increase their contributions. The State Department said greater international support is needed to meet the urgency of the situation.

Outbreak Continues to Spread

The outbreak continues to spread to new areas of the DRC, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

Outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued an appeal last month for an additional $1.1 billion to support the response. The appeal comes as health officials and aid organizations continue efforts to address the crisis.

Congolese public health officials report that Ebola has infected 7,500 people since mid-May. More than 3,600 people have died.

The figures make the outbreak the worst recorded Ebola epidemic in the DRC.

The additional US funding comes as international organizations continue to seek more resources. The State Department said the announcement also aims to encourage other capable nations to increase their financial support.

International Response

The outbreak has created an ongoing need for health and humanitarian assistance in affected communities.

International organizations continue to support response efforts alongside public health authorities in the DRC. The latest US contribution adds to the funding already provided for the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the international appeal for another $1.1 billion remains in place. Aid organizations continue to monitor the situation as the outbreak affects more parts of the country.

The United States said its latest contribution demonstrates its continued support for efforts to combat the epidemic. With the new funding, total US health and humanitarian assistance for the outbreak has reached $887 million.