WHO chief confident DRC will contain Ebola outbreak

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced confidence in the Democratic Republic of Congo's ability to contain the latest Ebola outbreak. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa in Kinshasa to bolster cooperation against the epidemic. "This country has extensive experience in fighting Ebola and has defeated it 16 times. We know the DRC will contain this epidemic again," Tedros stated. The WHO chief emphasized the importance of working with community networks, including religious and women's groups, as well as media and social media leaders, to disseminate effective messages and build trust in protective measures. His visit also included discussions with the UN humanitarian team in the DRC to enhance coordination. The outbreak, primarily in the eastern Ituri province, is linked to the Bundibugyo strain, which carries a fatality rate of 30% to 50% and for which no specific vaccine or treatment is authorized. The WHO considers the risk high in sub-Saharan Africa but low globally. The virus has also spread to neighboring Uganda, with confirmed cases and one death reported.