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The United Nations is stepping up its response to the deadly Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo in its tenth month, and is in need of additional resources, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday.
The virus killed more than 1,000 people – the second deadliest epidemic ever recorded after the epidemic that claimed the lives of 11,300 people in West Africa in 2014-2016.
Guterres said he was "concerned about the number of new cases of Ebola" and praised health workers who vaccinated more than 100,000 people and saved hundreds of lives.
"Despite these efforts, the epidemic is in its tenth month and has already killed more than 1,000 people," he said in a statement.
The UN is operating "significant changes in its response," he said, adding that "in this critical phase, additional resources are needed".
Guterres did not provide details, but called on partner countries and organizations to help UN agencies secure the necessary resources.
The UN – and in particular its health agency, the World Health Organization – has been criticized for its slow response to the epidemic in West Africa and Africa. He is committed to learning from past mistakes.
This is the 10th Ebola outbreak in 40 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It began last August in the city of Beni, in the province of North Kivu, before expanding to the neighboring region of Ituri.
Guterres said the epidemic was contained in parts of both provinces.
Rebel attacks against health facilities and clinics have hindered efforts to reverse infectious haemorrhagic fever.
Communities have also resisted preventive measures, safe care facilities and safe burials.
Guterres said: "The full involvement and commitment of the local population remains the key to successfully controlling the epidemic."
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