WHO reaffirms commitment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as Ebola outbreak nears 1 000 cases amid increased violence
23 March 2019 Geneva/Brazzaville/Goma – As the Ebola
outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) approaches 1 000
cases amid increased violence, WHO reaffirmed its commitment both to
ending the outbreak and working with the government and communities to
build resilient health systems.
Since the outbreak was declared in August 2018 there have been 993
confirmed and probable cases and 621 deaths in North Kivu and Ituri
provinces.
“We use words like ‘cases’ and ‘containment’ to be scientific, but
behind every number is a person, a family and a community that is
suffering,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“This outbreak has gone on far too long. We owe it to the people of
North Kivu to work with them in solidarity not only to end this outbreak
as soon as possible, but to build the health systems that address the
many other health threats they face on a daily basis.”
More than 96 000 people have been vaccinated against Ebola in DRC,
along with health workers in Uganda and South Sudan. As of 21 March, 38
of 130 affected health areas have active transmission. More than 44
million border screenings have helped to slow the spread of Ebola in
this highly mobile population. No cases have spread beyond North Kivu
and Ituri provinces, and no cases have crossed international borders.
However, the risk of national and regional spread remains very
high, especially when episodes of violence and instability impact the
response.
“As we mourn the lives lost, we must also recognize that thousands
of people have been protected from this terrifying disease,” said Dr
Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We are working in
exceptionally challenging circumstances, but thanks to support from
donors and the efforts of the Ministry of Health, WHO and partners, we
have saved thousands of lives.”
WHO has more than 700 people in DRC and is working hard with
partners to listen to the affected communities and address their
concerns and give them greater ownership of the response, particularly
in the current outbreak hotspots of Katwa and Butembo.
“The communities affected by this outbreak are already traumatized
by conflict,” said Dr Tedros. ”Their fear of violence is now compounded
by fear of Ebola. Community engagement takes time. There are no quick
fixes. But we are learning and adapting to the evolving context every
day.”
Despite the challenges, most communities accept response
interventions. More than 90% of those eligible for vaccination accept it
and agree to post-vaccination follow-up visits. Independent analysis of
vaccination data indicate that the vaccine is protecting at least 95%
of those who receive it in a timely manner. More than 80% of people also
accept safe and dignified burials, a key to preventing onward
transmission.
“Despite the increased frequency of attacks by armed groups, WHO
will stay the course and will work with communities to end this outbreak
together with the Ministry of Health and partners,” said Dr Tedros. “We
need redoubled support from the international community, and a
commitment to push together to bring this outbreak to an end.”
For the next 6 months, the combined financial need for all response
partners is at least $148 million. As of 19 March, $US 74 million had
been received.
“We count on donors to help close the funding gap so we can end
this outbreak as soon as possible,” said Dr Tedros. “We will still be in
DRC long after this outbreak has finished, working with the government
and communities on the road to universal health coverage. We are
committed to improving the health of the people of DRC now and in years
to come.”