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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday called for urgent global support to address the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as the number of infected cases approaching 1,000.
Since the outbreak of Ebola was reported in the DRC in August 2018, the number of confirmed and probable cases has risen to 993, resulting in 621 deaths.
Although more than 96,000 people have been vaccinated in the country and more than 44 million cross-border screenings have slowed the spread of the Ebola virus, the risk of national and regional spread remains very high, especially when episodes Violence and instability have an impact on the response, the WHO warned in a statement. "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 "General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
At present, the United Nations Health Agency has more than 700 people in the DRC to address the concerns of affected communities. But "their fear of violence is now compounded by the fear of Ebola," said Dr. Tedros. The WHO chief has promised that despite the increase in attacks by armed groups, WHO will "stay the course and work with communities to end this epidemic in collaboration with the Ministry of the World Health Organization." Health and its partners ".
"We need renewed support from the international community and a commitment to act together to end this epidemic," he added, citing a financial need for At least $ 148 million for the next six months, but only half. On 19 March, WHO asked donors to help fill the funding gap in order to end the epidemic as quickly as possible.
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