UN: Ebola Killing a Victim Every 30 Minutes in DR Congo

The Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is accelerating at an alarming rate, claiming a life every 30 minutes, according to a top United Nations humanitarian official. Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, described the situation as "the fastest growing on record" and urged for "speed, scale and solidarity" to combat the virus.

“

The outbreak is the fastest growing on record. We need speed, scale and solidarity before this virus gets even further ahead of us.

Since its declaration on May 15, the outbreak has resulted in at least 2,128 deaths out of over 4,500 confirmed cases. The UN warns that the epidemic is on course to become the deadliest Ebola eruption in history. "Ebola is winning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We cannot let the virus outrun our response," Fletcher stated, highlighting the urgent need for a more robust containment strategy.

“

Ebola is winning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We cannot let the virus outrun our response.

In response to the crisis, Fletcher announced an additional $30.5 million allocation from an emergency UN fund, supplementing the $24 million already designated for the DRC and four other affected countries. While nearly $300 million has been donated by countries, Fletcher stressed that more resources and personnel are critically needed.

“

The epidemic is killing someone every 30 minutes.

Fletcher outlined the necessary steps: doubling the number of teams for safe burials, tripling treatment capacity, enhancing contact tracing, and deploying more experienced managers. He also emphasized the immense need for basic services like water, hygiene, and healthcare in the affected regions. "The world needs to wake up, and show up," he implored. This 17th Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no known treatment or vaccine.

“

The world needs to wake up, and show up.