WHO declares "public health emergency" in DRC due to evolution of Ebola outbreak

"We must work together, in solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo, to end this fascism and build a better health system," said Dr. Tidros in a statement issued by the World Health Organization ( WHO). "We are all indebted to those interviewed – who came not only from the World Health Organization, but also from the government, partners and communities – to help us ease the burden."

The announcement took place after the meeting of the International Ebola Emergency Committee in DRC. The Committee took note of the recent evolution of the epidemic in its recommendations, including the first case confirmed in Goma, a town of about 2 million inhabitants located on the border with the Rwanda, which is the gateway to the rest of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the world.

What does the statement of the WHO say?

Under the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO), a legally binding convention of 196 countries around the world, a public health emergency with international concerns is defined as "an extraordinary event that raises risk to public health in other countries because of the international spread of the disease and may require intervention International Coordinator. "This definition refers to a situation:

– dangerous, sudden, unusual or unexpected;

– has effects on public health outside the national borders of the affected State;

– This may require immediate international action.

Call for non-imposition of punitive measures

According to the WHO statement, the Committee was disappointed with the funding delay that prevented the response. He also stressed the need to protect the livelihoods of those most affected by the epidemic by keeping roads and borders open. "It is necessary to avoid the punitive economic consequences of restrictions on travel and trade imposed on the affected communities," she said.

"It is also important that countries do not use the statement of the state of emergency as a pretext to restrict trade or travel, which would have a negative impact on the reaction, life and the livelihoods of the region, "said Professor Robert Stephen, chairman of the emergency committee.

What actions has WHO undertaken?

Since its declaration almost a year ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked the third level of urgency – the most serious – resulting in the highest level of mobilization of the world. World Health Organization. The United Nations has also recognized the seriousness of the state of emergency by activating the extension of the humanitarian response system aimed at eradicating the Ebola virus.

"It's about mothers, fathers and children – the whole family often runs the risk of contracting the disease," said Dr. Tidros, "at the heart of this situation are societies and individual tragedies.

This was the fourth meeting of the Emergency Committee since the outbreak statement on August 1, 2018.