WHO seeks support as Ebola claims 31 lives in DRC
The World Health Organization has appealed for greater international support to help the Democratic Republic of the Congo contain a new Ebola outbreak that has killed 31 people this month.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva on Thursday that the agency is seeking $21 million in emergency funding to step up its response efforts.
"Your investment now will help save lives and stop this outbreak at the source," said Tedros, stressing that timely investment is critical to prevent the virus from spreading further.
According to WHO, the DRC has reported 48 "confirmed and probable" cases in what is the country's first Ebola outbreak in three years.
Tedros said WHO is working closely with the Congolese government, the health ministry and local partners to curb the virus. More than 14 metric tons of medical supplies have been delivered, and 48 technical experts have been deployed to assist local health authorities.
"We have also helped set up an Ebola treatment center with 48 beds, where 16 patients are currently receiving care," he said, adding that the first two patients to recover were discharged earlier this week.
WHO said more than 900 contacts are being traced, while vaccination campaigns targeting contacts, potential contacts and frontline health workers are underway.
Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa, said the situation remains fragile despite early progress, warning that sustained commitment is essential to fully contain the outbreak.
"While we are witnessing improvements in the response, we are still in the early days of the outbreak," Janabi said in a statement. "A determined action is vital to consolidate these positive steps, gain ground against the virus, end its spread and protect the population."
He said WHO and its partners will continue to work with communities to intensify disease surveillance, improve alert management, trace contacts and strengthen preparedness in surrounding health zones and provinces.
