Essential drugs strengthen health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the face of the threat of Ebola – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Fatal illness continues to increase and health facility staff are taking precautions when treating patients.

By Lara Cooper

More Ebola cases have been reported this week, bringing to 817 the total number of confirmed and suspected cases, of which more than 500 have resulted in death.

Although many more people died during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014, the latest outbreak, which began in August 2018, has a higher mortality rate, health officials and urges neighboring countries to screen travelers.

The control of the deadly epidemic has been complicated by political upheavals and armed conflicts. But hospitals and health centers are working to continue treating patients while taking precautions to protect themselves.

Since the beginning of the Ebola outbreak last August, Direct Relief has sent $ 8.59 million in medical aid to health facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen the continuity of medical care.

The insulin was shipped to the DRC's Diabetes Association, which distributed insulin to children who depend on the drug to manage their diabetes as part of the Life for a Child program. Fistula repair operations also continue to be performed in women with a debilitating birth injury, which rates are high throughout the DRC. Fistula repair modules, containing surgical equipment for surgery and recovery period, were sent to several hospitals across the country, including St. Joseph's Hospital in Kinshasa. Heal Africa, located in Goma, has also received supplies to enable the continuation of fistula surgery.

As the epidemic continues, Direct Relief supports facilities throughout the DRC, as well as in neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan.

In southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi community hospital in Buhoma Kinungu has also taken precautions to train staff when caring for patients. A shipment of essential drugs, including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, prenatal vitamins and other requested items, is currently being delivered to the hospital by Direct Relief.

Health needs persist, even against the backdrop of disease and conflict, but health personnel from the DRC and the region strive to see the patients, as it has always done.