As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, reports indicate that the number of cases of Ebola in western DR Congo has reached 100, a nearly two-fold increase in a little over five weeks.
In a statement, The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the latest Ebola outbreak, DR Congo’s eleventh, was declared on June 1, in Equateur Province.
According to Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, “With 100 Ebola cases in less than 100 days, the outbreak in Equateur Province is evolving in a concerning way,”
“A cluster of cases was initially detected in Mbandaka, the provincial capital. The outbreak has since spread to 11 of the province’s 17 health zones. Of the 100 cases reported so far, 96 are confirmed and four are probable. Forty-three people have lost their lives,” reads part of the WHO statement.
The DR Congo Ministry of Health said that it has, “Presented an integrated plan to donors and partners” for about $40 million and committed $4 million. There is a critical need for additional support
“Without extra support, the teams on the ground will find it harder to get ahead of the virus,” said Dr. Moeti.
“Covid-19 is not the only emergency needing robust support. As we know from our recent history we ignore Ebola at our peril.”
The majority of the responders have been mobilized locally under the leadership of the DR Congo Government.
There are currently 90 WHO experts on the ground, as well as experts from nearly 20 partner organizations supporting the response
