Ebola: 'Fastest-growing outbreak of all time,' UN experts warn

United Nations experts are issuing urgent warnings about the escalating Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, describing it as the "fastest-growing outbreak of all time."

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The number of cases is increasing exponentially and doubling every 20 days. This is a far faster growth than the expansion of our aid measures.

Julien Harneis, the UN Ebola Coordinator, stated that the number of cases is increasing exponentially, doubling every 20 days. He emphasized that this growth rate far outpaces the expansion of aid efforts. "We must massively expand our measures, whether in the supply of aid, especially protective equipment, personnel, medical professionals, and logisticians," Harneis urged, noting that early treatment significantly improves survival chances.

Carl Skau, the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), echoed these concerns, highlighting the rapid progression of the current outbreak. "In comparison: 1,000 people have died in the last two months. In West Africa, it took eight months for 1,000 people to die," Skau stated. This stark comparison underscores the unprecedented speed at which the virus is spreading in the DRC.

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We must massively expand our measures, whether in the supply of aid, especially protective equipment, personnel, medical professionals, and logisticians.

Historically, Ebola outbreaks have been devastating. The epidemic in West Africa from 2014 to 2015 claimed over 11,000 lives. The second-deadliest outbreak, recorded in eastern Congo from 2018 to 2020, resulted in approximately 2,300 deaths. Current figures from Congolese health authorities indicate that over 1,400 people have died from the virus in the ongoing epidemic.

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This is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak of all time.

The call for a massive scale-up of international assistance is critical. Experts stress the need for immediate and substantial increases in essential resources, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, more medical personnel, and improved logistical support to contain the spread and provide timely care to those affected.

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In comparison: 1,000 people have died in the last two months. In West Africa, it took eight months for 1,000 people to die.