UN intensifying efforts to counter fast-spreading Ebola in eastern DR Congo – Official

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

The UN has said it is rushing emergency personnel, funding and supplies into eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to counter the fast-growing Ebola outbreak spreading through conflict-ravaged provinces.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday raised the national risk assessment for DRC to “very high”, although the global risk remains “low”.

So far, 82 cases and seven deaths have been confirmed in DRC but WHO says the real scale of the outbreak is likely far larger.

The global health body said there were nearly 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths reported.

On Friday, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher announced the allocation of 60 million dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support the response in DRC and neighbouring countries.

“These are tough operating environments for lifesaving work,” Fletcher said.

“We face conflict and high population movement.”

He stressed the importance of securing access for frontline responders, including in areas controlled by armed groups.

“It is essential that there is no obstruction,” he said.

WHO said the outbreak is unfolding amid intensified fighting, mass displacement and deep mistrust of outside authorities, fuelled by rumours and misinformation.

One hospital in Ituri province on Thursday was reportedly set on fire by angry relatives after authorities refused to release the body of a deceased family member, fearing contamination.

Two cases, linked to travel from DRC, have been confirmed in Uganda, including one death.

Similarly, two American nationals, including a doctor and another person described as a “high-risk contact”, have been transferred to Europe for treatment or monitoring.

WHO said the outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics.

Only two previous outbreaks of the strain have ever been recorded, with one in Uganda in 2007 and the other in DRC in 2012. (NAN)