WHO urges more support to combat Ebola outbreak in DRC

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday appealed for greater assistance to address the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), cautioning that the ongoing response remains insufficient to keep up with the disease's transmission. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva that the outbreak is unfortunately still expanding beyond the capacity of the response. He stressed the need for more financial and other resources to scale up all aspects of the response, including treatment capacity, field investigation teams, safe burial teams, and community workers.

The country has recorded 3,802 confirmed Ebola cases, including 1,707 deaths. Additionally, 727 patients have recovered, while 275 suspected cases are still under investigation. Approximately 17,000 contacts are being monitored, with more than 80% receiving daily follow-up checks. Although cases have been reported in five provinces, nearly 90% are concentrated in the northeastern province of Ituri, with almost all the remainder in neighboring North Kivu. Jasarevic emphasized that the response must target both current hotspots and areas at risk of future spread.

Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted through close contact with infected individuals and their bodily fluids. The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 after several deaths were reported in Ituri. This outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no proven safe and effective treatments, vaccines, or post-exposure prophylaxis options exist. However, several clinical trials of experimental therapies, vaccines, and post-exposure antiviral drugs are underway. Vasee Moorthy, who heads the WHO's research and development blueprint program, said early results are promising.