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As the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) approaches 1,000 cases and as violence escalates, WHO has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the epidemic and stopping the epidemic. work with government and communities to build resilient health systems.
Since the outbreak in August 2018, there have been 993 confirmed and probable cases and 621 deaths in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.
"We use words like" case "and" containment "to be scientific, but behind every figure lies a person, a family and a community that suffers," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chief executive officer of the Institute. WHO. "This epidemic has been going on for far too long. We owe it to the people of North Kivu to work with them in solidarity, not only to end this epidemic as soon as possible, but also to build health systems that can cope with the many other threats. who weigh daily on their health.
More than 96,000 people have been vaccinated against the Ebola virus in the DRC, as well as health workers in Uganda and Southern Sudan. As of March 21, 38 of the 130 affected health areas had active transmission. More than 44 million screenings at the border have slowed the spread of the Ebola virus in this highly mobile population. No cases have spread beyond the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri and no cases have crossed international borders.
However, the risk of national and regional spread remains very high, especially when episodes of violence and instability affect the response.
"By mourning the lives lost, we must also recognize that thousands of people have been protected from this terrifying disease," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. "We are working in exceptionally difficult conditions, but thanks to donor support and the efforts of the Ministry of Health, WHO and its partners, we have saved thousands of lives."
The WHO has more than 700 inhabitants in the DRC and is actively working with its partners to listen to the affected communities, raise their concerns and make them more accountable, especially in the current crisis areas of Katwa and Butembo.
"The communities affected by this epidemic are already traumatized by the conflict," said Dr. Tedros. "Their fear of violence is now compounded by the fear of Ebola. Community involvement takes time. There is no quick fix. But we learn every day and adapt to the changing context. "
Despite the challenges, most communities accept response interventions. More than 90% of people eligible for vaccination accept and accept post-vaccination follow-up visits. An independent badysis of vaccination data indicates that the vaccine protects at least 95% of those who receive it promptly. More than 80% of people also accept safe and dignified burials, a way to prevent further transmission.
"Despite the increased frequency of attacks by armed groups, WHO will stay the course and work with communities to end this epidemic in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and its partners," said Dr. Tedros. "We need renewed support from the international community and a commitment to stand together to put an end to this epidemic."
For the next six months, the combined financial needs of all intervention partners amount to at least $ 148 million. As of March 19, US $ 74 million had been received.
"We are counting on donors to help fill the funding gap to end this epidemic as quickly as possible," said Dr. Tedros. "We will still be in the DRC long after the end of the epidemic, working with the government and communities on universal health coverage. We are committed to improving the health of the people of the DRC now and in the years to come. "
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