WHO, Africa CDC Urge Support For Ebola Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have urged the international community to step up support for efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The appeal comes as the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, reaches 100 days since it was declared in eastern DRC.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak had gained a significant head start, leaving response teams struggling to keep pace with transmission.

WHO and its partners are expanding treatment capacity, with a target of reaching 3,000 beds s. More than 21,000 community health workers have also been trained to support the response.

The organisations warned that insufficient international attention and funding could undermine containment efforts and increase risks to affected communities.

The current outbreak is the DRC’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, with more than 5,200 cases recorded, according to WHO. It has also spread to a sixth province, while insecurity, population displacement, attacks on health facilities and limited access to affected communities continue to hamper response efforts.

WHO and Africa CDC said the outbreak can still be brought under control, but sustained international support and stronger action in affected communities are required.

SOURCE: MRA