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WHO: Ebola epidemic in Uganda ended, cases rise in Congo
🇷🇸 Serbia /Health & Science

WHO: Ebola epidemic in Uganda ended, cases rise in Congo

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola epidemic in Uganda officially over, following the country's announcement in July that no more cases were present.
  • Despite the end of the epidemic in Uganda, which saw 20 cases and two deaths, the situation remains concerning in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cases continue to rise.
  • A WHO official highlighted a critical funding shortfall of $30 million needed for logistical operations in the hardest-hit areas of Congo, warning that a lack of investment risks undoing progress.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the Ebola epidemic in Uganda concluded, marking a significant milestone after the Ugandan government reported no further cases on July 28. The outbreak in Uganda resulted in 20 confirmed infections and two fatalities. The WHO maintained close monitoring until this week to ensure no transmission chains were missed.

However, the situation remains precarious in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the number of Ebola cases continues to climb. Mari-Roseline Belizer, the WHO's director for emergency preparedness in the African region, stated at a regional meeting that despite some progress, the epidemic in the DRC, the second deadliest in history, is outpacing containment efforts.

Transmission of the disease remains very active. We have slowed the acceleration, but we have not yet reversed the trend.

— Mari-Roseline BelizerDescribing the ongoing spread of Ebola in the DRC.

"Transmission of the disease remains very active," Belizer reported. "We have slowed the acceleration, but we have not yet reversed the trend." She noted improvements in contact tracing and testing, and that analyses of the Bundibugyo virus have not shown any signs of mutation despite its rapid spread, which she described as good news.

Despite these positive developments, Belizer issued a stark warning about a critical funding gap. She highlighted the urgent need for $30 million to support logistical operations, including the delivery of medical supplies and personal protective equipment to the most severely affected regions in Congo. "Without investment without delay, we risk stopping the momentum we have achieved," she cautioned, emphasizing the potential consequences of inaction.

Without investment without delay, we risk stopping the momentum we have achieved.

— Mari-Roseline BelizerWarning about the consequences of a funding shortfall for Ebola response efforts in Congo.
About this summary

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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