DR Congo Ebola outbreak ‘far from being under control’ - WHO

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is accelerating beyond control, according to the World Health Organization. Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus described the situation as "far from being under control," noting that the epidemic has a "big head start" and responders are still trying to catch up.

“

We must be frank: the epidemic is far from being under control.

The outbreak, declared on May 15, has already claimed over 2,300 lives from nearly 5,000 cases, surpassing previous epidemics in the DRC and becoming the country's deadliest. It is particularly concerning that the disease is spreading in the nation's northern and eastern regions, areas characterized by a weak state presence, inadequate health infrastructure, and decades of activity by armed groups.

“

It had a big head start, and we are still playing catch-up.

The WHO emergency committee has met twice since declaring the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The UN health agency rates the public health risk as "very high" within the DRC, "high" for Uganda and other bordering nations, and "low" for the rest of Africa and globally. Cases have appeared in six DRC provinces and neighboring Uganda, increasing the risk of further national and international spread.

“

The risk of further national and international spread remains high.