UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher emphasized the need for immediate measures to control the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and surrounding areas. Fletcher highlighted the urgency, stating that the virus is rapidly spreading in conflict-affected regions, posing a significant risk of further transmission. Since the outbreak began on May 15, over 1,700 cases have been recorded in the DRC, with a death toll of 600. Uganda has also reported 20 confirmed cases.
The DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba described the ongoing Ebola outbreak as being in a critical phase, particularly in the Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter. Factors such as high population density, frequent movement of people, and challenges in community engagement are complicating containment efforts. Kamba mentioned that it is too early to predict when the outbreak will peak due to these complex circumstances.
UN’s Fletcher emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the Ebola crisis exacerbates existing challenges faced by millions in the region, including conflict, displacement, and limited access to essential services. The United Nations is intensifying its response to the outbreak, urging other stakeholders to match this level of urgency. Fletcher stressed the importance of ensuring safe access for humanitarian workers, medical supplies, and response equipment, as well as the need for timely and flexible funding to support the response efforts and broader humanitarian operations.
The latest update from the DRC’s Ministry of Communications and Media reported a total of 1,792 confirmed Ebola cases, with 625 fatalities. Currently, 764 patients are receiving medical care, while 295 have recovered. The overall case fatality rate stands at 34.1 percent.
