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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

UN agencies scale up Ebola response in eastern DRC

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • UN agencies are intensifying their response to the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • The province of Ituri is the epicenter, with response efforts being reinforced in densely populated towns like Rwampara, Mongbwalu, and Bunia.
  • Concerns are growing over the spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, prompting strengthened surveillance and support for health teams.

United Nations agencies are mobilizing rapidly to combat the escalating Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) and peacekeeping mission MONUSCO are collaborating with the Congolese government to deliver critical medical supplies, protective equipment, and logistical support to affected areas.

Our humanitarian and peacekeeping colleagues are continuing to support the government’s efforts regarding the fast-spreading outbreak of Ebola and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

— Stephane DujarricUN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric providing an update on the Ebola response in DRC and Uganda.

The province of Ituri remains the hardest-hit region, with towns like Rwampara, Mongbwalu, and Bunia experiencing the brunt of the outbreak. MONUSCO is playing a vital role by providing logistical assistance, including vehicles and a helicopter, to ensure the swift delivery of aid and support surge team operations. This assistance is crucial in reaching densely populated areas where the virus can spread quickly.

The province of Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak with the most affected areas in the towns of Rwampara, Mongbwalu and Bunia.

— Stephane DujarricDetailing the most affected regions within the DRC.

There are increasing concerns about the potential spread of Ebola to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with confirmed cases now appearing in urban centers like Goma, Butembo, and Katwa. In response, partners are enhancing surveillance measures, implementing screening at entry points, and adapting operations, including remote coordination. The deployment of motorcycles and additional vehicles aims to bolster the mobility of health teams engaged in crucial contact tracing and rapid response efforts.

This material will be made available to our World Health Organisation (WHO) colleagues.

— Stephane DujarricExplaining the distribution of medical supplies and equipment.

The outbreak is unfolding against a backdrop of significant challenges, including widespread displacement, insecurity, high population mobility, and restricted access for humanitarian workers and peacekeepers. These complex factors underscore the urgency and difficulty of containing the virus. The UN's coordinated efforts, involving various agencies like OCHA and WFP, are essential in managing this deteriorating humanitarian situation and preventing further spread.

There are increasing concerns also over the spread of Ebola to the province of North Kivu, where cases have now been confirmed in Goma, Butembo and Katwa.

— Stephane DujarricHighlighting the growing threat of the outbreak spreading to other provinces.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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