WHO launches $518 million plan to curb Ebola outbreaks in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have launched a joint $518 million plan to combat the Ebola epidemic in central Africa. The initiative will run from June to November, focusing on containing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

The current outbreak, declared on May 15 in the northeastern DRC, involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which is believed to have been spreading undetected for some time. According to the latest WHO figures, the DRC has confirmed 381 cases, resulting in 64 deaths. Neighboring Uganda has reported 16 confirmed cases, with one fatality.

The outbreak has affected three provinces in the DRC, with the epicenter in Ituri province, which accounts for 90% of confirmed cases and 76% of deaths, according to Africa CDC. This current outbreak is noted as being larger than the previous Bundibugyo strain outbreaks recorded in 2007 and 2012.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, stated that the plan focuses on fundamental areas: "emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, and community mobilization." The joint effort aims to swiftly address the escalating health crisis and prevent further spread of the deadly virus.

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The plan focuses on fundamental areas: emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, and community mobilization.