WHO Chief Admits Setback in Fight Against Ebola Outbreak in Congo
Kyiv • UNN
Congo has confirmed 344 cases of Ebola and 60 deaths due to the spread of the virus. The WHO chief urged against travel restrictions to ensure an effective response.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to outpace medical efforts to contain it, despite improvements in testing and diagnostics. This was stated by the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, AP reports, according to UNN.
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According to Congolese authorities, 344 cases and 60 deaths have been registered since mid-May, when the outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo strain was announced. At the same time, the number of suspected cases has decreased from 906 to 116. In neighboring Uganda, 15 cases of infection have been confirmed, one of which was fatal.
The WHO chief stated that the international community is not yet keeping up with the pace of the disease's spread.
The outbreak had a big head start, and we are still behind
According to the head of the WHO, increased laboratory and diagnostic capacity has helped improve case detection, although contact tracing of those infected remains insufficient. After a visit to the epicenter of the outbreak in Congo, he expressed cautious optimism.
What I saw gave me hope, although challenges remain
The situation is complicated by the unstable security environment in the east of the country. The day before, the Congolese military reported an attack by militants from the Allied Democratic Forces group, linked to the Islamic State, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people in North Kivu province. Militant attacks are hindering the work of medical and humanitarian services in areas where the virus is spreading.
Tedros also called on countries to lift general travel restrictions, emphasizing that they hinder the supply of necessary resources and the fight against the outbreak. According to him, the WHO recommends screening passengers upon departure at airports, ports, and border crossings, rather than imposing large-scale movement bans.
WHO Director-General states that Ebola outbreak in Congo can be stopped29.05.26, 06:38 • 4324 views