Why This Could Be the Worst Ebola Outbreak Ever — And How to Stop It

Why This Could Be the Worst Ebola Outbreak Ever — And How to Stop It

Author: Global Dispatches June 14, 2026 Duration: 30:37

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is raging with no end in sight. So far, there are 676 confirmed cases, including 136 confirmed deaths. The true numbers are likely higher. One reason this outbreak is so bad is that it was detected late. According to my guest today, Jeremy Konyndyk, one reason disease surveillance broke down was that the United States abruptly cut funding for these programs and related activities in the DRC as part of its shuttering of USAID and steep foreign aid cuts last year.

Jeremy Konyndyk is the president of Refugees International and has deep experience managing Ebola outbreaks, having served as the American point person on the response to the 2014 outbreak in West Africa. We kick off by discussing the trajectory of this outbreak and why U.S. foreign aid cuts likely allowed Ebola to spread undetected, before having a longer conversation about how to get this worsening outbreak under control.


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
The High Stakes of a Major UN Meeting on Nuclear Weapons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:43
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the most important and impactful global agreement on nuclear weapons. 191 counties have joined the NPT since it entered into force in 1970, with just a few notable exceptions, incl…
Let the Race for UN Secretary General Begin! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:21
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the four candidates for UN Secretary-General made their case at the UN General Assembly. Across twelve hours spanning two days, they took questions from UN member states and civil soci…
How the Iran War Is Already Fueling a Global Food Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing a surge in food prices around the world — particularly in places already in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. And it's about to get worse. This is the planting season for…
How China Views the Iran War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:17
As I am recording this on Friday, April 10, JD Vance is en route to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations over a ceasefire announced on April 7. This ceasefire is shaky at best. It is clear that there was never a common…