United Nations agencies have moved swiftly to contain the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, delivering emergency medical supplies, protective equipment and logistics support.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric gave the update on Thursday in New York while briefing journalists on the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda.
“Our humanitarian and peacekeeping colleagues are continuing to support the government’s efforts regarding the fast-spreading outbreak of Ebola and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation,” Dujarric said.
He said the province of Ituri remains the centre of the outbreak, with the most affected areas in the towns of Rwampara, Mongbwalu and Bunia. He noted that these towns are densely populated.
The peacekeeping mission known as MONUSCO is providing critical logistical assistance to enable the rapid delivery of medical supplies and equipment to Bunia, where response efforts are being reinforced. The mission also made available four light passenger vehicles to support surge team operations in Ituri.
In addition, Dujarric said MONUSCO had positioned one helicopter to support flights to affected areas in Ituri as required. Two ambulances and two armoured vehicles are also on their way from Goma to Bunia to support medical evacuation and outreach in areas with high security risks.
“This material will be made available to our World Health Organisation colleagues,” he said.
There are increasing concerns over the spread of Ebola to the province of North Kivu, where cases have now been confirmed in Goma, Butembo and Katwa. Dujarric noted that these are urban areas with a history of Ebola transmission.
In North Kivu, partners are strengthening surveillance, introducing screening at points of entry and adapting operations, including remote coordination where needed. MONUSCO has also sent motorcycles from Goma and Beni to strengthen the mobility of health teams engaged in contact tracing and rapid response.
A new case was also reportedly confirmed by local authorities in South Kivu, in the town of Bukavu. The case concerns a person arriving from Tshopo, which borders Ituri province.
Dujarric warned that the outbreak is unfolding in a context marked by displacement, insecurity, high population mobility and significant access challenges for humanitarians and peacekeepers.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme is facilitating the transport of aid workers, medical supplies and essential cargo into hard-to-reach areas. It is also providing food and nutrition assistance to patients, survivors, and affected households. WFP currently needs over 214 million dollars to support operations in the DRC, and over 10 million dollars specifically for Ebola response.
UNICEF has voiced concern for children, saying they are especially vulnerable to the impacts of Ebola outbreaks, including loss of parents and caregivers, stigma and psychological distress. UNICEF has mobilised nearly 50 tonnes of supplies, including disinfectants, soaps, personal protective equipment and water tanks.
The DRC has battled Ebola 17 times since the virus was first discovered 50 years ago. The latest outbreak was caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, and no vaccines or medicines currently exist to treat it. To date, there have been 139 deaths in the DRC and about 600 suspected cases, while Uganda has confirmed two cases.
WHO has declared that the outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern requiring countries to coordinate and cooperate on response, but not a pandemic emergency.
