WHO Reports Less Than Half of Funds Needed for Ebola Fight in Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) faces a critical funding shortfall in its fight against the Ebola epidemic in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with less than half of the necessary resources secured. An official from the organization issued an urgent appeal to donors to maintain their support during this crucial stage of the outbreak.

According to Reuters, the WHO has managed to collect only about 40% of the $115 million it requested to contain the Ebola outbreak in the affected region. The epidemic has already claimed the lives of at least 702 people, with a total of 1,926 individuals infected, according to government figures.

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This epidemic requires resources that correspond to the scale of the challenges we face. And this is not a burden that the DRC can bear alone.

Chikwe Ihekwezu, head of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, stressed the immense scale of the challenge. "This epidemic requires resources that correspond to the scale of the challenges we face. And this is not a burden that the DRC can bear alone," he told reporters in Geneva following a visit to the hardest-hit Ituri province.

Ihekwezu likened the ongoing response to a marathon, urging continuous effort despite fatigue. He reiterated estimates suggesting the actual number of Ebola cases in Congo could be at least double, and possibly more than four times, the officially reported figures. The appeal comes as intensified efforts are underway to detect and isolate patients, particularly after cases spread to two new provinces this week.

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It is a bit like a marathon. You must not give up after the first or second lap. You simply have to keep going, even when you are tired and exhausted.