The World Health Organization has warned that ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is making it far more difficult to contain the growing Ebola outbreak in the region.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak in Ituri province is spreading faster than emergency teams can respond, with conflict and insecurity disrupting medical operations and humanitarian access.
Since mid-May, health officials have confirmed at least 10 Ebola-related deaths, while more than 220 suspected deaths and around 900 suspected cases have been recorded. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15.
According to the WHO, the true number of infections may be significantly higher due to limited access to affected communities and continued displacement caused by armed clashes.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health experts say this makes rapid containment and early response even more important.
Authorities also warned that attacks on healthcare facilities and insecurity in eastern Congo are making it difficult to trace infected individuals and isolate new cases. Large numbers of displaced people are reportedly moving into overcrowded camps, increasing the risk of further spread.
The WHO has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow medical workers safe access to affected areas and help slow the outbreak before it worsens further.
Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said several African countries remain at risk, including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia.
Although the WHO says the risk of global spread remains low for now, health officials continue to closely monitor the situation due to rising case numbers and infections among healthcare workers.
0 Comments