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🇵🇹 Portugal /Health & Science

WHO launches $518 million plan to curb Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda

From Público · () Portuguese

Translated from Portuguese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a $518 million, six-month plan to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
  • The DRC has reported 452 cases and 82 deaths, while Uganda has 19 cases and two deaths, with health officials facing challenges including delayed test results and community resistance.
  • The plan involves containment measures, preparedness in neighboring countries, and addressing security risks, with the UN peacekeeping mission providing armored vehicles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a critical $518 million response plan aimed at halting the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The six-month strategy, developed with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), seeks to contain ongoing outbreaks and bolster preparedness in neighboring nations.

In the DRC, the number of confirmed cases has surged to 452, with 82 fatalities. Uganda has reported 19 infections and two deaths. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the urgency, noting the outbreak is "advancing rapidly" and requires sustained funding, political commitment, and community engagement.

Health officials face significant hurdles. Standard tests struggle to detect the Bundibugyo variant, and laboratory results are delayed. Some communities have shown resistance, leading to attacks on healthcare teams. The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC has deployed armored vehicles to enhance security for response operations.

Adding to the international response, the United Arab Emirates announced a temporary suspension of visas and entry for travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, including transit passengers who have not spent over 21 days in those countries.

The outbreak is advancing rapidly and we continue to try to catch up.

— Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusWHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighting the urgency of the Ebola outbreak.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Público in Portuguese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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