Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: WHO’s Response
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed confidence in stopping the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during his arrival in Kinshasa. His visit comes amid rising concerns over the epidemic.
Tedros arrived in the DRC on Thursday evening and was scheduled to visit Ituri province on Friday, which is the area most affected by the outbreak.
“That outbreak can definitely be contained,” he remarked, emphasizing that the WHO does not endorse travel bans as a suitable measure against the epidemic because they tend to be ineffective.
“Together, we will overcome this challenge,” he reaffirmed, committing to offer “everything in my power to assist you.” It’s a strong statement, but one can’t help but wonder what that really looks like on the ground.
According to WHO data, since the outbreak was confirmed on May 15, there have been 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola-related deaths, accompanied by over 1,000 suspected cases recorded by May 24, the most recent figures available. However, the actual situation might be significantly worse; health officials think the virus may have been spreading quietly for some time.
This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in this vast central African nation, home to over 100 million residents. Unfortunately, the epidemic is concentrated in a mineral-rich area that has become a battleground for various armed groups, complicating efforts to provide medical relief. “Conflict and displacement make everything difficult,” Tedros acknowledged. “I urgently call on all armed factions in this area: please declare a ceasefire.”
He added, “No cause, no conflict, no grievance justifies risking innocent lives to a preventable illness.”
Currently, there is no available vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola that triggered this outbreak. However, the WHO announced that clinical trials for vaccines and treatments have been recommended. Jean Kaseya, who heads the African Union’s health agency, indicated that they hope to have a vaccine ready by year-end.
To counter the situation, Uganda, which has recorded one death and six additional cases of Ebola, has closed its border with the DRC effective immediately. Meanwhile, the U.S. announced that anyone infected would be denied entry and is working towards establishing a treatment facility in Kenya for American citizens affected by the virus. A rights group in Kenya has sought court intervention to limit this facility’s operations, citing concerns over the strain it may put on the country’s already challenged healthcare system.
Ebola has claimed over 15,000 lives across Africa in the past half-century. The outbreak from 2018 to 2020 was particularly devastating, resulting in nearly 2,300 deaths among 3,500 reported cases in the DRC.
The WHO has reported the arrival of 4.6 tonnes of aid at the Bunia airport in Ituri province. Concurrently, UNICEF announced it would be sending 100 tonnes of assistance to support the DRC’s efforts.
