WHO expects Ebola outbreak in DR Congo to be controlled within three months

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed optimism that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could be brought under control within the next three months. Thierno Balde, the WHO's emergency response leader, stated this during an online press conference on Tuesday.

His remarks came on the same day the WHO's crisis committee was scheduled to meet to discuss the outbreak. While a similar hope was voiced earlier in the month, the virus has since expanded its reach to a sixth province. The United Nations had previously reported that the outbreak was claiming a life every half hour.

Despite these challenges, Balde maintained that reversing the trend is possible with adequate resources. "Regarding the next plan for the coming three months, yes, if one has the necessary resources, then I believe it will be possible to do it," Balde said, as reported by Reuters.

A significant hurdle remains the lack of sufficient funding. The WHO has secured approximately 60% of the $115 million it is seeking for its Ebola response efforts. This shortfall impacts the organization's ability to fully combat the epidemic.

As of Tuesday, 2,325 people have died from Ebola in the DRC, according to government figures cited by Reuters. This makes the current outbreak the deadliest in the country's history, surpassing the previous record between 2018 and 2020, which saw 2,299 fatalities. The latest data from the DRC's public health institute also indicates 4,945 confirmed cases. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, but health officials suspect it had been ongoing for several weeks prior.

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What about the next plan for the coming three months, yes, if one has the necessary resources, then I believe it will be possible to do it.