The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to curb the spread of Ebola as fighting continues in the region. According to the WHO, the Ebola outbreak is worsening amidst ongoing conflict, forcing displaced people to crowd into evacuation and displacement camps where the disease spreads more rapidly.
WHO Director-General's Statement
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the situation in eastern DRC is severely affected by both war and disease, with health workers struggling to provide assistance due to the chaos. He emphasized that the response to the outbreak will not be effective if bombing and fighting persist, urging all parties to implement an immediate ceasefire.
Current Outbreak Details
The ongoing Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or cure. The WHO has declared it an international health emergency due to the rapid increase in cases. There are over 900 suspected cases and more than 200 suspected deaths across three provinces in eastern Congo, including areas controlled by rebel groups.
Humanitarian organizations report that many of the deceased are children, while refugee sites in neighboring Uganda have exceeded capacity due to the influx of displaced people.
